Battle of the Blurs

Garnier Perfect Blur vs. L'oreal Miracle Blur

Blur creams are the latest beauty trend taking over the shelves. From high end to drugstore, every other brand seems to have a blurring product out there.

So what are they? They are beauty products that use new optical/light technology to 'blur' your skin and improve the appearance of pores, wrinkles and really any other imperfections you may have. Not all of them call themselves primers, but that's what they essentially are - new and improved, next generation primers.

Two extremely popular offerings that have recently hit Australian drugstore are the Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur and L'oreal Revitalift Magic Blur. These are sold everywhere, from local pharmacies to supermarkets, but they are so popular that they are often sold out. The natural question that follows then is, are they worth they hype? And if so, which brand is better?

I've previously done a brief review on the Miracle Blur and I think it's pretty obvious that I'm a fan of blur creams. But with this post now, I thought I'd see how the Perfect Blur stacks up against the Miracle Blur. I'll be considering three elements - price, packaging and the product performance. 

Round One - Price:

Here is a price breakdown based on the Australian standard retail price.

• Garnier Perfect Blur contains 22ml and retails for $16.99 (i.e. $0.77 per ml)
• L'oreal Magic Blur contains 30ml and retails for $24.99 (i.e. $0.83 per ml)

As you can see, Garnier's Perfect Blur is better priced on a per ml basis and offers better overall value

Winner: Garnier Perfect Blur

Round Two - Packaging:

For me, there are two things to consider when looking at a product's packaging - its aesthetics and its practicality.

Overall, I found the Perfect Blur to be more aesthetically pleasing. It looks bright and fresh and very much in line with what the Garnier brand often tries to represent. I cannot say that this is how my ideal blur primer would look like, but I definitely prefer it over the Magic Blur.

I have two issues with the Magic Blur. Firstly, while the matte tube seems fitting considering the 'blur' factor, there's just too much blank, red space on the front and the matte finish just makes it look dull and cheap. Secondly, the shape of the tube reminds me of the competition. Garnier already has two popular products (Pure A moisturiser and Oil Free BB Cream) that come in an identical tube and every time I see the Magic Blur, I just think Garnier!

I also found the Perfect Blur to be more practical and easy to use. The Magic Blur tube is simply too big. Even though it contains more product, it definitely doesn't warrant a tube this size. Not only does it mislead the consumer about how much product they get, it's also frustrating because the half empty tube makes it hard to squeeze out the product. It feels empty quickly and then you are forced to use both hands to get the product out. 

The Perfect Blur comes in a much more compact, convenient and travel friendly size. And it doesn't mislead the consumer about the amount of product they get!

Winner: Garnier Perfect Blur

Round Three: Product Performance

So first and foremost, do the products do as they claim? 

That's a resounding yes for both products. When applied, they both make a noticeable difference and imperfections definitely look blurred. 

Hopefully the photos below give you a better idea of how the products look by themselves and when applied. They both have a similar consistency and appearance but the Magic Blur feels a bit denser between your fingers. 

L-R: Magic Blur; Perfect Blur

L-R: Magic Blur; Perfect Blur (blended)

Now which product performs better?

To really get an idea of how the two blur creams compare, I went for a few days with Perfect Blur on one side of my face and Magic Blur on the other. I even alternated the sides that they were on so the results were more fair. 

After about a week, I noticed that Garnier's Perfect Blur consistently performed better. It gave a much better overall appearance and controlled oil more effectively.

If you look at the photo below, the Perfect Blur on the right has a slightly more pink tinge and when applied on the skin, it seems to do a bit of colour correction. My complexion always looked brighter and better on the Perfect Blur side. 

L-R: Magic Blur; Perfect Blur

Garnier's Perfect Blur was also much better at controlling oil throughout the day. I have quite oily skin and even after 5 hours of wear, the Garnier side only ever had a small 5 cent sized oily patch next to my nose. My make-up lasted better and I really enjoyed not having to blot/touch up my make-up. 

In contrast, the Magic Blur left both my cheeks and forehead very oily after the same amount time. However, it must be noted that the L'oreal website never actually calls it a primer and just tells you to apply after moisturiser. This suggests that it's one of those blur creams that require you to follow up with a primer. When I tried that, I got much better results. But at the end of the day, I want to be able to use my blur cream as a primer as well. The mornings are busy enough and I don't see the point of having blur cream as a separate step when there are products that do both at once!

Winner: Garnier Perfect Blur

Final Thoughts

I know this sounds like I dislike L'oreal's Magic Blur but I don't. After reading/watching reviews online, I actually preferred it and didn't by the Perfect Blur because I was waiting for the arrival of the Magic Blur. And when I finally got it, I really enjoyed it! I liked how it made my skin look and the lack of oil control on its own wasn't an issue because the need to blot/touch-up my make-up wasn't anything new. But my good experience with Magic Blur made me curious about Perfect Blur and the rest was history.

Garnier's Perfect Blur blows L'oreal's Magic Blur right out of the water and it's definitely the one I will be repurchasing!


OVERALL WINNER: Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur

xoxo
See you next time my lovelies!

Smashing Shadow Liner

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner to Go in Chrome

Chrome; 2.67g/0.094oz ($29.95@ Kit Cosmetics)

This is a two-in-one eyeshadow and eyeliner, with a built-in smudger on one end. This can be applied thickly or smudged out, making it a very versatile product that's perfect for creating smoky looks of different intensities. There are 6 shades in this range and I own the colour Chrome. 

Chrome is a shimmery, dark grey and under the right lighting, a bit of stunning blue comes through. Here are some swatches showing how different applications of the shadow liner looks. The left image is without flash, while the right image is with flash. 

L-R: Chrome built up, Chrome in one layer, Chrome smudged out

It's just so gorgeous and eye catching! And apart from the fascinating colour, this also truly stays put and does not budge. Once it sets, nothing is going to remove it except for oil based make-up removers. 

Here's the same swatch after a few rounds with a makeup remover wipe. As you can see, not a lot has changed!

No flash

And here it is after some aggressive scratching. Unfortunately I accidentally deleted the no-flash image and in the photo below, the colour's actually a bit washed out by the flash. But you can still see how I mainly just managed to irritate my skin.

Flash

I love this. It's a bit hard to smudge so I don't often use it as an eyeshadow but it's great as an eyeliner. You wont get precision out of this but you will get intense colour that practically glues itself to your eyelids. Chrome is perfect for nights out. It's sweatproof and waterproof and a great, eye-catching alternative to the more traditional black. 

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner to Go in Chrome

Verdict?
Colour/Pigmentation: Good. Gorgeous multidimensional colour. Shimmery too.  
Lasting Power: Good. Definitely waterproof. I have oily eyelids but this still stays put and doesn't transfer (even when I run my finger over it!). 
Formula: Average. Applies smoothly and evenly without any crumbling. But it's a bit difficult to blend given its excellent waterproof qualities. You must work quickly and putting a primer underneath helps.
Packaging: Good. I love my chunky pencil/crayon products so this is right up my alley. Easy to grip. Convenient smudger at the end. Lid of the eyeliner also fits on the other end like a marker.  
Final thoughts:  This is completely budgeproof and the colour just has so much depth to it! The only slight concern is that the actual product inside the pencil can break and fall out. But I popped the section back in and it still works fine. 8.5/10

xoxo
Thanks for reading! 

Vibrant Varnishes

Outgoing: Bare Naked

#200 Bare Naked

This nude polish did a great job. I paired it with a base and top coat and it didn't start to chip until five days in. Just look at the photo below. This is how it looked after nine days and while it clearly chipped, it held up very well overall. The fact that my thumb, index and ring fingers all escaped unscathed suggests that its claim to last for up to 10 days rings true. 

L-R: (After 9 days) No flash; Flash

I'm very careless with my nails. Especially when washing dishes! I can definitely see someone who's more careful with their hands and nails managing to get a full, 10 days wear out of this. 

Verdict?
Colour: Good. Wearable, flattering nude. Stays pretty shiny. However the range may be difficult to find since it's discontinued.
Lasting Power: Good. Five days with no chipping. Nine days with minimal chipping.  With a bit of care (and a topcoat), this should last the advertised 10 days.
Formula: Good. Great consistency, easy to apply, goes on smooth, and dries quickly. No problem with the product itself drying up either.
Packaging: Average. Shape is a bit bulky and hard to grip. Glass seems excessively thick. Good sized flat brush though. 
Final Thoughts: Great overall. It's not a 'wow' polish but it's a good, dependable nude that will go the distance. 8/10

Incoming: Wine to Five

#190 Wine to Five, 11ml/0.37 fl.oz. ($6.95*) 

It took a really long time for me to pick out a new colour. I couldn't decide and when I finally applied Wine to Five I immediately wanted to change my mind! It just looked too dark and I realised what I really wanted was a pastel to go with the gorgeous, sunny days we've been having.

It's rather frustrating but that's all on me and not the polish! Wine to Five is a gorgeous, deep wine red that changes appearance depending on the lighting. It's a very captivating shade of red! Like the rest of Covergirl's Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish range, the formula's also great and easy to apply. I did have to be extra careful to keep it strictly on my nails, since the deep colour does stain your skin, but it was nothing nail polish remover couldn't fix. Despite being not quite what I had in mind, it's still a beautiful and classy red. I'll definitely be pulling this out a lot in winter!

L-R: No flash; Flash

In the photo above I have a base coat, two layers of polish and a top coat. The camera really captures how the colour changes. I've got high hopes for this one so let's hope it doesn't disappoint!

*Currently $4.17 @ Priceline where there's a 40% off Covergirl sale until Monday, 28th April.

xoxo
Have a fabulous day!

Smoothly Does It!

Vaseline Body Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter

Vaseline Cocoa Butter, 227g ($7.69)

This is an intensely moisturising body butter with ingredients like cocoa butter and shea butter. It truly works wonders on dry skin making it feel softer and smoother. It is also very nice to apply. Unlike so many other body butters that get it wrong, this has a wonderful consistency. It is rich and creamy without being too thick or leaving you feeling greasy.

I really enjoy using this product and find myself reaching for it year round. Normally, I only use body butters in winter (when colder temperatures and indoor heating wreaks havoc on my skin), but I actually use this heavily in summer too. Vaseline's website says this "smoothes away dullness for a healthy glow" and it really does! It evens out my skin tone and makes everything look smooth and glowy. It's perfect for summer legs.

Here I applied it on my hand and you can see what a difference it makes. It's definitely very illuminating upon application!

L-R: with Vaseline Cocoa Butter; without Vaseline Cocoa Butter

Here's a comparison with another body butter. Segment 1 on the left is Vaseline's Cocoa Butter and Segment 2 on the right is a Grace Cole body butter. Vaseline's Cocoa Butter clearly leaves the skin more glowy.

L-R: 1. Vaseline; 2. Grace Cole

Overall, this is a great product that does it's job and more. There are only two things you have to note: 
1) this is a body butter so it will take a while for it to sink into your skin 
2) the sweet, cocoa scent is very strong. 

Personally, my skin is never extremely dry so body butters are a bit excessive for me. I'm used to them taking forever to sink into my skin so the only issue I have with this is the scent. In the tub, the product smells sickeningly sweet and strangely rather alcoholic. It really reminds me of Vodka Mudshakes! Eventually, it does fade to a soft cocoa scent but that takes a while to occur and it never truly disappears unless you wash it off. Consequently, I always make sure to use a light hand and keep it strictly on my legs so the scent isn't so intense.

I definitely recommend this product if you're in the market for a body butter. It's great quality and value for your money. Just avoid if you're sensitive to scents.

xoxo
Lots of love,
Mel.

Blooming Blushes

Sleek Blush #926 Rose Gold

Sleek Blush Packaging (Front)

Sleek Blush Packaging (Back)

Sleek #926 Rose Gold, 8g/0.27oz ($6.99)

Rose Gold is a gorgeous, pinky-coral blush that will suit most skin tones. It is quite shimmery and has micro particles of gold glitter running through it. Undoubtedly, some people will find the shimmer factor off putting but with a light hand they could easily use Rose Gold as a highlighter instead. 

Just check out the photo below! The camera's flash really shows how illuminating it can be. Personally, the micro-glitter isn't an issue for me. On my medium, warm skin tone, the gold particles just add a nice glow and push this blush a bit more to the coral side. 

Here are some swatches so you get an even better idea of what the product is like. 

This is from two passes over the product.

L-R: No flash, Flash

This is the blush really built up. You can see everything intensifies, even the glow! 

L-R: No flash, Flash

Verdict?
Colour/Pigmentation: Good. Gorgeous colour. Suits a lot of skin tones and very easy to wear. No chunks of glitter but the shimmer may still be too much for some. 
Lasting Power: Good. Despite my oily skin, I can still get a standard, 9-5 day's wear. Colour fades a little by the afternoon but the shimmery highlight stays put. 
Blendability: Good. Silky, finely milled and very easy to blend. Doesn't emphasise pores unless it's really built up and the highlight becomes too much.
Packaging: Good. Sleek! Mirror takes up one whole side, compact, sturdy and very travel friendly. However, base is a bit thin so it may be difficult to open. 
Final thoughts:  I love it! Whether you wear it on its own or layer it over a matte blush, it's always gorgeous! Considering the quality of the product and the amount that you get, $6.99 is a steal! Unless you're strictly devoted to matte blushes, everyone should have this in their make-up collection! 9.5/10

xoxo
Bye beautiful people!!

Bargain Nail Polish Haul

Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish

L-R: Go-go Mango, Tickled Pink, Grapevine, Lav-endure, and Vio-last

These nail polishes are fantastic and I really love them. They're gorgeous colours, easy to apply and long lasting. Check out my earlier post on shade 285 Mint Mojito here. 

I was extremely excited when I saw a $5 off Covergirl sale in the latest K-Mart catologue. Considering that these normally retail for $6.75 there, they are an absolute steal after the discount!  I simply had to get more even though I still have a few of these that are unopened. I mean...I'll get to them eventually right??

I purchased #245 Go-Go Mango, #165 Tickled Pink, #310 Grapevine, #145 Lav-endure and #300 Vio-last. Please note that the colours are actually brighter than what the above photo is showing. Most of these are summery colours but that's mainly because I already own the darker shades. I'll still make these work this autumn/winter and at the very least they can be accent colours. 

In total, I saved $25 and bought these 5 babies for only $8.75. 

Definitely swing by your closest K-Mart asap to check these out. They may not have a sale tag on the display but if you scan them they will show up as $1.75 each. This sale ends on the 20th April 2014.

xoxo
Happy shopping!

Spritz Me!

Watermelon & Pink Grapefruit Body Spritz 

Grace Cole Watermelon & Pink Grapefruit Body Spritz, 250ml/8.45fl.oz ($6.99)

I stumbled upon this when I was trying to kill some time a while ago. The colourful range caught my eye and I was hooked on all the fruity scents. I just had to bring one home with me. The scents in this range include coconut and lime, passion fruit and guava, peach and pear, strawberry and kiwi, and pineapple and passion fruit. It took me forever to settle on watermelon and pink grapefruit and I'm definitely looking forward to going back for some of the others. 

So, onto the spritz itself! Like the rest of this range, it is made in England, paraben free and comes in a 250ml (8.45 fl.oz.), brightly coloured bottle. The scent of both fruits come through clearly. The fresh and light watermelon scent balances out the citrusy pink grapefruit and keeps it from becoming too overwhelming. The spray also comes out in a fine, even mist and doesn't leave a sticky residue on the skin. 

The only issue with this spritz is that the scent fades a bit too quickly. I can barely get 20 minutes out of this and while I know it's not a perfume, I still expected a little more. I originally planned to use this after I hit the treadmill but it just doesn't last long enough. It's also too impractical to carry around so the lack of staying power really limits its usefulness.  

Body Butter, 250ml/8.45 fl.oz. ($4.99)

However, I liked the scent so much that I went back to pick up the matching body butter in the hopes that layering the two would make it last longer. And it does. The body butter carries the scent much better than the spritz. The problem is that the body butter is just too thick and it never fully absorbs. 

I only use this combo on my lazy days when I don't intend to go out for anything but a grocery run. I'd apply a thin layer of the cream on my arms and follow up with the spritz on my wrists and elbow. The scent lingers long enough for me to get through my errands. Most of the time I just use the spritz on its own after I get home. The fact that it's not long lasting or cloying means there's no chance of a headache by the time dinner rolls around. And overall, I just find it to be a very happy scent that's also light and refreshing so it's perfect as a pick me up. 

I think I will eventually buy another spritz from the range, probably the strawberry and kiwi one, but I definitely wont be repurchasing the body butter. 

Final note: I love this scent but I have to warn that it can be a bit polarising. In fact, my dad thinks it smells like an air freshener of ours that I actually hate!  

xoxo
Hope you have a beautiful week ahead!

Vibrant Varnishes

Outgoing: Pacific Blue

420 Pacific Blue ($6.95)

This was fantastic! With a topcoat, the colour stayed vibrant and it lasted a good 8 days before it started to chip. I think even without a topcoat, this would still do quite well on its own. I didn't end up adding a topcoat on my left hand until 2 days after and everything still stayed perfect. 

This is how it looks after 10 days. It has lost a bit of its glossiness but it's still a bright blue and the chipping only occurred at the tips.

L-R:  No flash, Flash

Verdict?
Colour: Good. Gorgeous shade of blue that's unique and very eye catching. Someone always comments on it! But use a base coat because it can stain your nails. 
Lasting Power: Good. Easily lasts 8 days when a topcoat's used. Colour doesn't fade.  
Formula: Good. Great consistency, easy to apply, goes on smooth, and dries quickly. No problem with the product itself drying up either.
Packaging: Good. Easy to grip shape, great flat brush, and gorgeous dark steel coloured lid. 
Final Thoughts: Love it! Ticks all the rights boxes and more! This not-so-typical blue is a definite must-have. 10/10

Incoming: Bare Naked

200 Bare Naked ($3.00)

I wanted something more understated and feminine this time around so here's Rimmel's Lasting Finish Pro in 200 Bare Naked. This line is discontinued in Australia but I found this in a $3 discount basket at Chemist Warehouse so keep an eye out! Bare Naked is a slightly shimmery, nude beige-pink that suits most skin tones. It's extremely easy to apply and wear. It wont show up if you accidentally stray from your nails and it will match any outfit. It has a good sized, flat brush and it goes on smoothly with no streaks. All in all I really like this. It's especially perfect for when I'm in a rush.

L-R: No flash, Flash

In the photo above I have a base coat, two layers of polish and a top coat. It did well the last time I wore it but I don't think it survived the full 10 days like the bottle says. Let's see how it goes this time!

xoxo
Have a fabulous weekend!

Not A Fan Of...

Rimmel Scandaleyes Flex Mascara

Black, 12ml ($16.95)

This is going to be quick because I know with 100% certainty that this mascara is not for me. As someone with straight lashes that stubbornly point down, the word 'flex' should have set off warning signals and sent me running in the opposite direction. I need a mascara to freeze curled lashes in place, not add lycra flexibility! 

Since this mascara isn't waterproof, I only ever use it as a second coat (over lashes that have already been curled and set with a layer of waterproof mascara). It does a good job darkening and thickening my lashes but unfortunately, it does an even better job making my lashes droop. No matter how curled my lashes are, if I add this on top, they will immediately go back to pointing down. It's so frustrating! 

Apart from failing to hold a curl, another issue is the massive brush it comes with. Hopefully the photo below gives you some idea of how big it is. It makes it difficult to reach the shorter lashes in the corners of your eyes and things can get messy really quickly.  No matter how large your eyes are, I just don't think anyone needs a brush this size! 

This mascara is only for someone who has naturally curled lashes and just wants to add a little oomph. It'll add volume without making your lashes look or feel stiff and it wont cause clumping. If that's not you, I strongly recommend giving this a miss.

Summary

Positives:

• Adds volume
• Lashes stay soft 
• No clumping

Negatives:

• Absolutely DOES NOT hold a curl
• Easily smudges 
• Slight flaking
• Massive brush

xoxo

Have a beautiful day!

Recent Empties #1

Over the last fortnight of so, I've finished quite a mixed bag of products. From haircare products to a drink, here are my 6 latest empties.  

1. VO5 Give Me Moisture Conditioner (300ml, $4.99)

I really like this range. The unique packaging was what caught my attention first but the product itself is pretty impressive. I love how all the conditioners in this range are multitaskers. Not only are they conditioners, they are also meant to be left in a few minutes like a mask and provide protection from heat styling. 

Give Me Moisture has ingredients like pearl extract, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil, argan oil, sunflower seed oil, and rosemary leaf extract. The formula's very creamy and smells nice. My hair feels super soft as it's rinsed out and when air dried, my hair is also noticeably smoother, softer and sleeker. I don't know how well it protects against heat because I still always use a heat defence spray but it definitely helps improve dry hair. I also have Nourish My Shine and Smoothly Does It from this range and I can't wait to try them!

2. Oral-B 3D White Glamorous White Rinse (473ml, $5.99)

I believe this is marketed under the Crest brand in the U.S but the product and packaging is the same. I like this mouthwash. It is alcohol free and doesn't have that intense taste like other brands. It's also pretty interesting because if kind of froths in your mouth a bit as you swirl it around. 

This claims to whiten your teeth in seven days if you use it for 60 seconds twice a day and it did work for me. Just don't expect a dramatic change. My teeth only whitened a shade so it was only barely noticeable. However, a plus is that it didn't cause any major sensitivity issues. 4-5 days in I was a bit worried because I could feel the beginnings of sensitivity but it never got worse and I finished the bottle with no problems. I would advise you to stay away if you are already dealing with sensitive teeth. 

3. Sunsilk Co-Creations Addictive Brilliant Shine Deep Nourishment Mask (200ml)

This is an older line that's discontinued but I bought a few a while ago when Coles was clearing them out. After having tried it, I completely understand why it was discontinued. It did absolutely nothing for my hair!

The packaging and fragrance was okay but nothing special. It feels thick when first scooped out of the jar but as you massage it between your fingers you quickly realise it actually isn't creamy at all. It doesn't feel soft when rinsed out, instead it actually feels drier like with shampoo and a lot of times I had to follow up with extra conditioner. I also didn't see any results when my hair was dried. It didn't look softer or shinier. Don't bother even if it's in a discount bin for $1.

4. A'Pieu Glow Nail Touch Base Coat

This base coat is from a Korean brand and I got it as a gift. This was an okay base coat. I liked how it was just the right consistency, went on very smoothly, dried quickly and prevented staining from darker colours. The slight peachy tint also helped to veil any discolouration on my nails. But I hated the small brush and I didn't notice my polish lasting any longer with this on. If you're only looking for a basic, quick drying barrier for your nails, this would be worth a try. 

5. Australis Eyeshadow Primer (10ml, $12.95)

I didn't like this at all. It created a smooth base to work on but it didn't do anything for controlling oil on lids or extending the longevity of my eye look. After a few uses it also became very difficult to get any product out. I was swirling and swirling the applicator around for ages. And as you can see, the packaging is unnecessarily bulky (the tube is only down the centre) and very flimsy. The cap came off pretty early on and it must have fallen into my room's blackhole because I never saw it again. For a similar product, I'd go for the $3 ELF eyelid primer instead.   

6. Hong Da Ma Green Tea (1500ml, around $3.00)

I love this lightly sweetened green tea. I find products like Lipton Ice Green Tea to be far too sweet and you end up losing a lot of the green tea flavour. With this, the ingredients are just green tea, jasmine, sugar and water and that's exactly what it tastes like - chilled jasmine green tea with a tiny dash of sugar. This means the earthy/slightly bitter green tea flavour is definitely still there. 

Every 600ml contains only 134kj/32cal,  and 7g of sugar. The only problem is that not many Asian grocers stock this so it's rather hard to find. But try it if you can get your hand on it because it's a super convenient way to get iced tea and it's very refreshing!

xoxo
And that's all from me. I'm close to finishing quite a few products so you'll probably be seeing Empties #2 very soon! Bye!

March Favourites

The products I've been reaching this month reflect how I'm still not ready to accept that Autumn is upon us. I'm still desperately trying to cling on to the remnants of the summer so my go-to look has mainly involved a bronzy glow with statement coral lips. Here are seven of my most used products in March. 

1. Models Prefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil in Midnight Gaze (1.2g, $8.99)

These Infinite Colour pencils are amazing. They come in 12 shades, glide on smoothly, have great colour payoff, are waterproof and don't smudge or budge. Midnight Gaze is a brownish black eyeliner with tiny speck of gold running through it. This shade went perfectly with the soft, warm eye look I'd been going for.

2. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze (0.4oz/10.3g, $72.00)

This ended up in heavy rotation because of just how effortlessly it created a bronze glow. I'm naturally quite tanned so I only want a hint of colour from my bronzer and this fits the bill. However, like the name suggests, it's quite shimmery so I tend to use this more at night. This is a beautiful bronzer and highlighter. 

3. Essence Sun Club Shimmering Bronzing Powder in 20 suntanned (9g, $5.35)

This smells like coconut and I love it! Once again, I like how it's not a super pigmented bronzer so any colour it adds is very subtle. This shade looks natural against my skin and not orange or dirty. This product also contains shimmer but it's far more subtle and wont give you a disco ball look.  It's great for daytime wear. 

Here's a swatch of all the products so far. The image on the left is with flash, while the right is without flash.

L-R: Midnight Gaze, Midnight Gaze built up, Bronze Shimmer Brick, 20 Suntanned

4. L'oreal Revitalift Magic Blur (30ml, $24.99)

I've been a bit lax with my skincare lately so a few tiny bumps have appeared. While it doesn't do much for oil control, the pinkish white cast from this product really helps hide/blur imperfections.

5. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 025 Sweetheart Valentine (2.7g, $17.95)

Like I said earlier, I've been going through a coral phase but unfortunately the shades that I like aren't the most flattering on my lips. They are usually too light and don't do a good job hiding fine lines. Since I can't help what I love, this stain has been my solution. I use this to stain my lips first before applying a coral lippie over it. This helps by filling in lines, and injecting more pink and warmth so the coral shades are more wearable. It lasts pretty much all day so I only have to touch up the coral lipstick on top.

6. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 420 Coral Pop (4.2g, $16.95)

Out of all my coral shades, this was the one I reached for the most. Without Sweetheart Valentine underneath, this shade is too pale and bright on me and really emphasises my fine lines. However, with the stain, I get a gorgeous pinky coral that pops against my bronzed eyes and cheeks. 

Here's a swatch of the lippies and how they look layered. Once again, the left is with flash while right is without flash.

L-R: Sweetheart Valentine, Coral Pop, Coral Pop layered over Sweetheart Valentine

7. Dessert Essence 100% Organic Jojoba Oil

I only got this halfway through March but I really like it already. I use this to remove my waterproof mascara and it's been super effective. Even the most stubborn waterproof formula just glides off. I've also started to notice that my lashes look lusher!

xoxo
And that's all my favourites for March! Here's to a fantastic April!