After a wild ride of a year (thanks Covid-19), Christmas and the holiday season is only weeks away. This means that shopping for gifts is coming up fast and it can be tricky to know what to get espeically if you need to shop online. So to hopefully save you some time and money, I've put together my picks for Christmas this year!

 

Image from Mecca.com.au

Sol de Janeiro Wild Extravaganza Set

If you're a fan of the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro, then this set is for you! The set includes a full sized Brazilian Bum Bum cream (240ml), the Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist (90ml), the Brazilian 4Play Moisturising Shower Gel Cream (90ml) and the Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter (6.2g). It's basically a greatest hits of the delicious smelling Brazilian range and is a great way to try more products in the range as it's valued at $129! I'm absolutely obsessed with this scent and I knew that I just had to put it on my Christmas list this year. Available from Mecca for $99.

Image from Opallac.com

Opallac Pastel Gel Palette*

This 4-piece gel polish pack includes the most beautiful pastel shades from Opallac. This pack includes Marshmallow (the perfect pastel pink), Frosted (a light, sky blue), Buttermilk (a pale, creamy, light yellow) and Lovender (a beautiful light purple). These shades are exclusive to this pack and is the perfect gift for someone who loves gel polish. Available from Priceline and Opallac directly for $58.

Mecca Max Feel Good Beauty Range*

The Mecca Max holiday range is year is absolutely fabulous. In line with the rest of the Mecca Max range, the holiday range is super affordable (starting from $12), the quality is amazing and the packaging is so cute. My picks from the range include Double or Nothing Zoom Shadow Stick Duo $29, Golden Hour Everyday Palette $35, Brush Over Brush Set $85 and the Eyeshadow Quads $12.

Image from Mecca.com.au

Double or Nothing Zoom Shadow Stick Duo

I love the Zoom Shadow Sticks so much. They're so creamy to apply and stay put all day. They come in a range of fabulous colours and are perfect for day or night wear. They are normally $18 each so at $29 for two, it's a great deal! 

Image from Mecca.com.au

Golden Hour Everyday Palette

This palette includes 6 beautiful eyeshadows (4 matte, 2 shimmer) that can easily be worn for any day or night look, a nice and neutral pink lipgloss and 3 face powders (a blush, bronzer and a highlighter). As with all Mecca Max products, the pigmentation is great, the packaging feels sturdy and good quality. This would be the perfect gift for someone who is just getting into makeup or someone who wants it all in one place. Available for $35.

Image from Mecca.com.au

Brush Over Brush Set

This brush set includes eight vegan brushes and a cute, coral travel case. The set includes a blush brush, powder brush, highlighter brush, foundation brush, three eyeshadow brushes and an angled liner brush. It's perfect for someone just starting out with makeup or someone wanting to expand or upgrade their current brush collection. Available for $85.

Image from Mecca.com.au

Eyeshadow Quads

These eyeshadow quads are so cute and compact and are the perfect size for travel! They come in three different shades and the perfect little stocking stuffer. They have a mix of shimmer and matte shades in each one and are the perfect gift for anyone. Available for $12.

 

Image from MCoBeauty.com

MCoBeauty The Beauty Edit Pout Gloss & Lip Liner Set in Tickle*

If you're on a budget, this lip set is a perfect gift to buy for any beauty lover! The set includes a lip liner in shade 'Universal' and Pout Gloss in 'Tickle'. The lip liner was very creamy and pigmented and the gloss applied like a dream too! It reminds me a lot of the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, both in packaging and formula. Available from MCoBeauty and Woolworths for $18.

Image from TheOodie.com

Now I know it's coming into summer here in Aus but I bought an Oodie a few months ago and I have worn it non-stop! If you haven't heard of them before, an Oodie is basically a giant super soft hoodie with a fluffy sherpa lining. It's beyond comfortable, so warm and comes in lots of different prints. The arms have a ribbed cuff which is great because it means that the arms don't get in the way. Available from Oodie directly for $109 (they often have sales or coupon codes!).

Image from au.mysilvi.com

I was already a fan of silk pillowcases but boy oh boy this is the nicest one I've ever tried. It's made of 100% Mulberry Silk (22 Momme, the highest 6A grade) and infused with anti-bacterial silver ions. What makes this particular pillowcase so special is that the silver ions help to reduce acne, clogged pores and ingestion all while you sleep! It also helps to smooth hair and prevent frizziness, boost the skin's collagen and prevent wrinkles. Is there anything that it can't do?! Available from Silvi directly for $89.

Image from Mejuri.com

I have been a long-time admirer of Mejury Jewellery and for my birthday recently I was treated to the Silver Croissant Dome Ring. It is even more gorgeous than it looks online and I'm already adding more pieces to my wishlist! They have a great range of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets in gold vermeil, sterling silver and 14k gold and white gold. They are also having a sale right now so if you have a piece or two in your wishlist, now is the perfect time to treat yourself!

Image from Mecca.com.au

Tangle Teezer Fine and Fragile Wet Detangler Brush

This brush has been a life-saver! I've been using it for the last four months and my hair has been loving it. It's a brush specifically designed for fine, damaged or colour treated hair and be used on wet or dry hair. I love to use it while my hair is wet and it just glides through. It also comes in a pink and black version for thicker or non-colour treated hair. It's literally the perfect gift for anyone! Available from Mecca, Tangle Teezer and Hairhouse Warehouse for $24.

*Indicates Pr Sample

I received some great news recently that Milani is finally launching in Australia! That's right, Milani is launching in Priceline in early September and I am so excited.

If you haven't heard of Milani before, it's an affordable, drug-store LA based brand that was created for all ethnicities, backgrounds and ages. All products are cruelty free, PETA certified and a range of products are also vegan. I picked up some products when I was travelling in the USA and have loved them ever since. I was very kindly sent a generous package by the team at Milani Aus to try out some of their products before they hit the shelves. I don't have price information for all of the products but let's jump straight into my thoughts:


Conceal and Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation

Shade 01 Creamy Vanilla

Along with their Baked Blush in Luminoso, this foundation is one of Milani's top selling products. This foundation is apparently a "one-step liquid foundation and concealer that delivers long-lasting full coverage that evens out skin tone". It apparently features a "lightweight, full coverage, oil-free and water-resistant formula in a no mess, no drip pump dispenser and is suitable for all skin types and tones". Upon trying the foundation, I can see why people love it! It had a nice, medium-full coverage that looked very natural on the skin. The finish looked really natural with a little bit of glow. It lasted really well throughout the day and didn't separate or go all funny in my oily areas. Big yes from me! It's available in 22 shades for $24.95. I do wish that the shade range was a bit more extensive but I saw that in the US, it's available in 45 shades so hopefully they release the extra shades soon.  


Conceal and Perfect Shine Proof Powder

Shade 02 Nude

This powder is apparently a multi-tasking miracle worker that can be worn alone or over foundation. The Milani website says that it's a "luxurious lightweight mattifying powder is blended with Lily extract to tighten pores and keep skin fresh". It also has Bamboo powder to absorb excess oil. My first impressions of this powder is that it feels really lightweight and smooth. It mattified my skin nicely and didn't make the undereye area look dry or crepey. It kept me shine-free for hours, didn't look cakey and locked my foundation in for the whole day. I did get some fallout in the pan but nothing major. It comes with a flat sponge/puff for easy application on the go. It's being launched here in 4 shades for $26.99 however it's available in the US in 10 shades so like the foundation, hopefully they extend the range here.  


Conceal and Perfect Longwear Concealer

Shade 120 Light Vanilla

This concealer claims that it's a longwear concealer with a creamy formula that's water resistant and full coverage. Upon application, I found it really creamy and blendable. It didn't look dry or cakey under the eye and lasted well throughout the day. It has a great doe-foot applicator and the formula reminds me of Tarte Shape Tape. It's also a vegan formula that contains Vitamin E for hydration. It's available in 10 shades for $24.99.  


Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush

Shade 110 Nude Flush

I was really intrigued by this blush! I'd never really used a liquid blush before, only creams and powders. The formula reminded me initially of a gel formula as it felt really lightweight and smooth. It applied really nicely to the cheeks and didn't lift or disturb my makeup underneath. The colour built up nicely and gave a sheer, flush of colour to the cheeks. It would be perfect for just a touch of colour or for a 'no-makeup makeup' look. This product is also vegan!


 Baked Blush

Shade Luminoso

As I said earlier, Milani is probably best known for their Baked Blush in Luminoso and after using it for years, I can see why. The formula is buttery soft, easy to blend and pigmented! They're one of the nicest blushes I've used before and all of the shades are absolutely gorgeous. A fun fact about these blushes is that they all have been sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles! The shade Luminoso is the perfect peachy, pink with a really nice glow. They've changed the packaging since I originally purchased it a few years ago. It originally included a mirror and a small brush in the packaging and they've removed that in the current packaging. It doesn't make a huge difference for me as I don't normally use the included brush. The Baked Blush range is available in 7 shades in a range of satin and shimmery finishes for $19.95.  


Baked Bronzer

Shade 05 Soleil

Similarly to the blushes, the Baked Bronzers are wonderful. They have the same pigmented and blendable formula and apply like a dream. The two shades I have (04 Glow and 05 Soleil) are a beautiful marbled finish in the pan and they make me feel like I've been on a holiday in the sun! These bronzers remind me of the Hourglass bronzers and are also vegan. Similarly to the blushes, they also have the updated packaging with no brush or mirror. Love them!  


Baked Highlighter

Shade 120 Champagne D'oro

This highlighter is so fantastic! The formula so smooth and buttery and blends so well. Like the blushes, the highlighters are baked on Italian terracotta tiles for the perfect formula. The shade I tried here is 120 Champage D'oro and it reminds me of ABH x Amrezy. It's the perfect soft gold shade that looks great on my fair-light skin tone.  


Gilded Ember Hyper-pigmented Eye and Face Palette

Gilded Ember Hyper-pigmented Eye and Face Palette

This eyeshadow palette is a 11 pan eye and face palette that's a mix of metallic shimmers, mattes and duo-chromes. The colour story is inspired by the 2019 Pantone Colour of the Year, Living Coral. The 2 larger shimmer pans worked so well as a highlighter and the shimmers and duo-chromes were insanely pigmented. The packaging feels quite lux for a drug store brand with embossing and a good sized mirror. So fantastic!  


Ludicrous Lip Gloss

Shade 120 She's All That

I really liked these glosses! The formula felt lightweight but not too sticky and were so glossy and shiny. The formula reminded me a little of the Fenty Gloss Bomb. I tried out the shade She's All That and it was the perfect nude gloss with a really nice, subtle shimmer. It feels hydrating and smooth on the lips and applied really well over lipstick.  


Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set
Another one of their bestsellers is their setting spray and I can see why! The mist was really fine while also being lightweight, not sticky, greasy or tacky. I also liked that it didn't leave big dots or spots behind on my base. It reminds me of the MAC Fix+ as it primes the skin and sets makeup all day.  


Colour Statement Lipstick

Shades 89 Naked and 05 Red Label

I was really intrigued by the formula of these lipsticks. They felt really smooth during application and didn't ball up or pill on the lip. I found the scent quite surprising, it reminded me of a Lipsmacker/watermelon scent. The finish of these lipsticks definitely is more a creme finish and it looks quite glossy on the lip too. I don't think they'll have long staying power because they are so creamy so if you're looking for a really long wearing lipstick, perhaps the Amore Matte Lip Creme or the Bold Colour Statement Matte Lipstick will more your speed.  


Precision Brow Pencil


I really like this pencil; it gave good, lightweight colour and fine strokes. It felt creamy and was easy to apply. I didn't have to press heavily or drag it across my brow to get product payoff which is great. It is also double ended with a spoolie which is super convenient. The packaging maybe felt a little light and on the cheaper side but that's definitely a minor point.




Overall I loved everything that I tried and I am beyond excited that Milani are launching in Aus. I think they'll fit really well in Priceline and the Australian market. From the pricing information I have on some of the products, the prices seem to be reasonable and comparable to other brands in Priceline such as L'Oreal, Maybelline and Rimmel London. In comparison with the US, the prices seem to be a bit more expensive but still are at an good price point. I can't wait to see Milani hit the shelves here and for you all to give their amazing products a go!

Christmas is just around the corner and it can be a stressful and overwhelming time thinking of gifts to buy for your loved ones! There are also heaps of different sales during this time of year and it's a great time to get bang for your buck. So to help, I've gathered my picks for Christmas either to treat yourself or your loved ones.

Image from Priceline website

I've been a fan of Opallac for a few years now. The at-home system is so fantastic, their colour range is extensive and each manicure lasts me three weeks! My pick form the range is the Opallac Starter Kit. It includes everything you need to get salon gel nails at-home. The kit comes with: an LED Lamp, 3 x Gel colours (Cosmolicous, Seductress & High Tea), 1 x Gel Base Coat, 1 x Gel Top Coat, 1 x 2-in-1 Shine & Soak Solution & 1 x 30pk Remover Wraps. You can buy Opallac from their website directly or online and in-stores at Priceline where it is currently 40% off.


Sol De Janeiro - Bum Bum Carnaval Getaway Set*
$38

Image from MECCA website

This brand hit our shores last year and boy I am so glad it did. If you haven't smelt their Brazilian Bum Bum cream yet, you're missing out! It's filled with lots of great things for your skin and it's got an intoxicating scent of salted caramel and pistacio that instantly transports you to a tropical beach. This set is fabulous as it includes the iconic Brazilian Bum Bum cream (50ml), a Brazilian 4 Play Moisturising Shower Cream-Gel (90ml) and a Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist (30ml all in the delicious signature scent. It all also comes in a super cute bag that perfect for traveling. It's available from MECCA online and in-stores.


NARS - Orgasm Euphoria Set*
$28

Image from MECCA website

The beautiful NARS blush in the shade 'Orgasm' has been a cult favourite for a long time and for good reason. It's a stunning peachy pink shade with a fine shimmer running through it and gives a lovely flushed and glowy finish on the skin. For the holidays, NARS have released a limited edition set with a mini lip gloss and Multiple (a multi-use cream stick) all in that iconic shade. It's the perfect gift for any makeup lover and all for under $30! It's available from MECCA online and in-stores now.


Frank Body - Scrub Heroes Kit*
$49.95

Image from MECCA website

The cult favourite body scrub is available in a limited edition set that's perfect for Christmas! The set also includes a Creamy Face Scrub and a Caffeinated Scalp Scrub for perfectly exfoliated skin and scalp. This is a perfect gift for anyone as it smells amazing and is great value for under $50! You can get it online at MECCA or in-store.


Francesca Jewellery

Image from Francesca website

This jewellery company is an Australian brand that has the most beautiful pieces. The brand is best known for their hand beaded bracelets and bracelet 'stacks'. If you're looking for a gift with a personal touch, then you'll definitely find something perfect. My picks from their range are the Pearl Create Hoops (14mm, from $145),  Rose Quartz Charm Bracelet (from $49), Personalised Pendant (from $99). You can shop their range on their website or at one of their three stores nationally.


Stackers - Jewellery Box
Set $146.50, layers $47.95 each

Image from Stackers website

I've been on the hunt lately for a new jewellery box and this box had it all. What's cool about this brand is that you can either buy the box as a set or you can buy each layer of the box indvidually and choose what type of organisation you like. This is also a good option for when you get more jewellery, you can simply buy a new layer for your box rather than having to buy a whole new box! They have heaps of different colours and sizes available. They also have a range of travel organisation options too. This would be the perfect gift for someone who loves jewellery or is just starting out and is looking for a jewellery box that will grow with their collection. You can see their range on their website or from selected Myer stores nationally.


Face Halo - Makeup Removing Pads 3 Pack
$30

Image from Priceline website

I recently bought a pack of these to try and I'm obsessed. They're fantastic at taking off your makeup while still being gentle on the skin. They easily take off a whole, full face of makeup (even waterproof makeup) or skincare masks and can re-used again and again. This is a great gift idea for those who want a more sustainable option to makeup remover wipes or even to treat yourself. They're available on their website or from Priceline.


Ulta3 - Trend Hunter - Nail Polish Set*
$9.95

Image from Ulta3 website

If you're after a fun KK present or stocking filler for under $10, Ulta3 is a great brand to check out. I've used their nail polishes for a long time and their range of colours is just great. For Christmas, they've released this super cute nail polish set with 4 full sized polishes (shades: Millennial Pink, Thirsty, Straight Fire, (Peach emoji)). It also comes in a nude version and is available from their website and selected stockists nationally.


Foreo - Skin Cleansing Devices*
Prices ranging from $65-$300

Image from Foreo website

If you're looking to spoil someone special or even yourself, Foreo devices are fantastic. If you haven't heard of them before, they're a skin cleansing device that uses pulsations to deeply yet gently clean the skin while unclogging pores and removing dirt, oil and impurities. The devices are made from silicone which means that its hygienic and doesn't grow bacteria and you never need to replace brush heads. Some models even have firming massaging functions that can help your facial serums and skincare penetrate deeper into the skin. I can't rave about the devices enough! There are lots of models in their range so I recommend chatting to someone in-store to find out which one is the best option. Foreo devices are available from many stockists nationally including Sephora, Foreo and MECCA.


Eve Lom - Rescue Ritual Set*
$148*

Picture from MECCA website

This Eve Lom skincare set is a fantastic gift for any skincare lover! It includes the Rescue Mask, Cleanser and a muslin washcloth to rescue dull, stressed and congested complexions. This set is great for anyone with congested or dull skin that needs a little bit of TLC. It's available from MECCA in-store and online.



The Daily Edited - Black Double Cardholder
$59.95

Image from The Daily Edited website

In my book, anything personalised is a great gift to either receive or to give! I love The Daily Edited because they have a great range of products and so many different ways to personalise products for an extra special gift. I think the cardholder is a great gift for anyone as it's chic while still being functional. You can pick up this cardholder here or check out other great products on their website.


Morphe - 35O2 Second Nature Artistry Palette*
$36

Image from MECCA website

I've raved about Morphe for a while and their eyeshadow palettes make a perfect gift this Christmas. Their eyeshadow palettes are very pigmented, high quality, are easy to work with and are a fantastic price at $36. One of my favourite palettes from Morphe is the 35O2 Second Nature Artistry Palette. It's a great range of matte and metallic warm tones that suits all skin tones! You can find this palette from MECCA and Morphe online and in-store.


Beautyblender - The Jewel Box Mystery Blind Bag
$34

This super cute Christmas set includes the cult favourite Beautyblender and a jewel shaped soap. The Beautyblender is the perfect gift for anyone as it delivers perfect foundation application and is the perfect tool in anyone's makeup bag. Each blind bag contains a different coloured Beautyblender for a bit of excitement upon opening. It's available from Sephora both online and in-store.


Thisworks - Sleeping Partners*
$57

Image from MECCA website

This limited edition set will help give a more more restful night of sleep. The set includes a full-size Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and a full-size Deep Sleep Breathe In oil. It's made from a calming blend of lavender, vetiver, chamomile and patchouli which work to relieve tension and sending you to sleep faster while also enabling you to have a more refreshing and deeper sleep. It's perfect for anyone with anxiety, or has trouble relaxing or falling asleep. Available from the MECCA website and online.



* Indicates this product was PR gifted, opinions on this post are entirely my own.

Some fantastic news was released recently that Morphe is coming to 66 MECCA and Mecca Maxima stores and online on the 24th of September! To say that I'm very excited is an understatement!




So who is Morphe and why is this such great news?

Morphe is a Los Angeles based brand that was created in 2008 by a brother and sister duo. Their whole brand mantra is all about self-expression without rules and without killing the wallet. Love! They're not shy about creating products that are outside of the box and are all about playing with colour.

Morphe is an amazing brand that is best known for their eyeshadow palettes (the 35O eyeshadow palette is a cult favourite), makeup brushes and accessories. The formula of their palettes is pigmented and high quality, the brushes are super soft and the best thing about Morphe is the affordable price tag! Most of their eyeshadow palettes are only $36 and the brushes range from around $3-$31.

35O2 and the original 35O eyeshadow palette

 My product recommendations:

35O - Nature Glow Artistry Palette $36
My first ever Morphe purchase was the cult-favourite 35O Nature Glow Artistry Palette and boy-oh-boy it is amazing. With 329 5 star reviews on the Morphe AU website, you know that this palette is firm favourite. The colour range makes it the perfect palette for warm, natural or more dramatic eye looks. It has a mix between beautifully pigmented and buttery metallic shades and super blendable matte shades. It has hardly any kickback in the pan or fallout when using and is in durable plastic packaging.


35O2 - Second Nature Artistry Palette $36*
Due to the success of the first 35O palette, Morphe decided to revamp the much loved favourite with an ever warmer version. They also update the packaging to a thicker and more luxe plastic. This palette again is a mix between buttery soft and super pigmented metallic shades and matte shades.  What I do really like about the new version, is the addition of a black shade which is great when you want to add some extra drama!


Continuous Setting Mist $23*
This iconic setting spray is a continuous, air-powered spray that delivers an even and controlled application. The mist is micro-fine and sets both liquid or powder makeup with a beautiful, radiant finish. It's so popular, it has 838 5 star reviews! You can even use it to dampen your beauty sponge  and press out dry or creased makeup or to spray your brush with it for a poppin’ highlighter.


Eyeshadow Blending Brushes
M505, M330, M441*, M507 $9
One product that I was really excited to try from the brand was their brushes; particularly their eyeshadow brushes. You can never have too many blending brushes in my opinion and these ones are amazing. My favourite ones so far are the M505, M330, M507 and the M441. They're all really soft and blend out shadow like a dream. They're easy to clean maintain the bristle shape really nicely. And for only $9 each, they're a winner all round to me.


There are so many products on my wishlist that I can't wait to check out and swatch in-store from Tuesday the 24th! What products are you excited about?



'*' indicates that the product was PR gifted. All thoughts and opinions about the product are my own.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive the new L'Oreal Infallible More Than Concealers and you guys were keen for a detailed review so here we go!


The concealers claim to be a full coverage, ultra-blendable formula that is a natural matte finish. They're available in a large, 18 shade range that is sure to suit everyone. They can also apparently be used for dark circles, blemishes and uneven skin tone.  The shades that were sent to me are Fawn (323), Cashmere (327), Latte (331), Walnut (344) and Honey (338).  For my fair-light neutral skin tone, Fawn is a great under-eye/highlighting shade, Cashmere is the perfect concealing shade for blemishes and Walnut is the perfect, natural contouring shade.

Swatches Top to Bottom Fawn (323), Cashmere (327), Latte (331), Walnut (344) and Honey (338)

Upon application, the product is very full coverage and it covers dark circles really nicely and doesn't look cakey at all. The texture is really creamy and blends nicely into the skin. I used a Beauty Blender to blend it into the skin and they worked so well together. I found that the concealer dried down slightly darker on me so if you like a slightly brighter under-eye, I would recommend going a shade lighter than you would normally.

What I also like about these is that when you put the wand back into the container, it doesn't all spurt out and collect around the join like Tarte Shape Tape does. I hate it when that happens as it gets messy and it's wasting product. So the seal on these is better in my opinion.

(L-R)  L'Oreal Infallible, Makeup Revolution C&D, Tarte Shape Tape

The applicator for these concealers is a super large doe foot that applies a good amount of product and spreads it across the skin evenly. In comparison to the Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer, it's bigger and wider and it's about the same size as Tarte Shape Tape, perhaps slightly bigger. The doe foot fits nicely in the under-eye area and doesn't feel too big or clunky.

(L-R)  L'Oreal Infallible,  Tarte Shape Tape

I'm really loving these concealers and I'm reaching for them everyday lately! There's 10ml of product in the tube which is the same amount Tarte Shape tape. The price of these is also pretty reasonable at RRP $29.95. It's cheaper than Shape Tape (RRP $37) and other popular high-end concealers such as the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (RRP $46).

If you're looking for a concealer that's full coverage, yet lightweight, long wearing and easy to apply, I'd definitely recommend them! The L'Oreal Infallible More Than Concealers are available at Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and Big W and other major stockists nationally for RRP $29.95.

If you enjoyed this review, let me know in the comments and tell me your favourite concealer!

Hi guys! It's been a little while since my last post but I often get asked on my thoughts on various foundations so I thought I'd write a post all about my favourite foundations! I love changing up my foundations all the time and love having a variety of different levels of coverage. My skin is definitely on the oilier side so I tend to gravitate towards more matiffying foundations. I've included a range of different foundations from sheer and light coverage all the way up to more full coverage options. So let's dive straight into it!




Sheer - Light Coverage

Garnier BB Cream Oil Free
I've been wearing this foundation for years and it's fantastic if you want to have a little bit of coverage without feeling like you're wearing any makeup. This particular BB Cream is great for oily or combination skin. It's also non-comedogenic and helps to minimise the appearance of pores and imperfections. One tube last me ages and it's also a great price point of $16 and is often on sale! It's available at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and most supermarkets.


Kosas Tinted Face Oil
Initially I was quite skeptical to try this foundation as I usually shy away from oil based products due to my oily skin however I love it! It's a super lightweight foundation with a really nice velvety natural finish. It is quite a different texture to what I'm used to and it applies best using the fingers. It's also infused with six active botanical oils for a luminous yet skin-loving coverage. The pigments in the foundation are also self-adjusting for the perfect colour match. It's a massive yes to this foundation! It's available at Mecca Cosmetica for $64.


The Ordinary Serum Foundation 
This foundation is another great option for those days where you want a bit of coverage with wearing much makeup.  Similarly to the other lightweight foundations, it's quite a liquid, runny consistency and takes a bit of time to blend into the skin to avoid any streaks. The finish is really nice and natural and it lasts well throughout the day. It's available at Myer for $12.70.



Medium Coverage

Too Faced Peach Perfect Foundation
This foundation is a dream for oily-skin! It provides 14 hour matte, comfortable medium coverage and doesn't separate during the day. It goes on really well and blends into the skin effortlessly. If you're a fan of scents, it also has a lovely subtle peach and fig scent. This foundation has a great shade range and I definitely recommend checking it out. I can't say enough great things about this foundation, I love it! It's available at Mecca Maxima for $55.


Beauty Blender Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation
The cult favourite makeup sponge brand now has their own foundation! The finish of this foundation is a beautiful velveteen matte finish that looks lovely on all skin types and ages. It contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin and White Birch Extract to soothe and brighten the skin. The shade range now includes 40 shades with a variety of undertones. The bottle of this foundation is so clever, it pumps out onto the flat front and you can dip your brush or beauty blender directly into it! This foundation is available at Sephora for $60.


Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation
This lightweight foundation refines pores and mattifies while giving the skin a nice, natural finish. It's non-comedogenic and perfect for normal to oily skin. The shade range is extensive with 40 shades and it's a fantastic everyday foundation. It's available at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and most supermarkets for $21.95.


Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation
This foundation is fantastic because it looks like my skin but better. It hydrates the skin with vitamin C, E and B5 to boost natural radiance and provides an anti-fatigue effect. It feels lightweight on the skin and lasts all throughout the day. It's easy to apply and blends out well and also hydrates the skin with a Hyaluronic Acid derivative to provide 24 hour hydration. It's also suitable for all skin types and  available at Priceline for $30.


It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte
This CC Cream has a cult following and I can definitely understand why! It has a moisturiser, mattifying primer, dark spot corrector, anti-ageing serum, SPF 40+, pore minimiser all in the one product and is perfect to use everyday. I really like the way my skin looks while using this CC cream and you only need one pump for the whole face! Love, love, love! It's available at Sephora for $61.


Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation
This foundation is a sweat-resistant and waterproof medium coverage formula that looks very natural on the skin. It has a ultra-buildable coverage that has a natural and luminous finish for all skin types. It applies really nicely on the skin and lasts well throughout the day. It comes in a wide range of shades and undertones and it's available at Sephora for $70.




Full Coverage

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation 
This foundation is another savior for oily skin! It's definitely a mattifying foundation that's long wearing, sweat and waterproof. The foundation gives a really nice smooth, pore diffusing and shine free finish. The shade range is extensive with 50 shades and lots of different undertones. This foundation is also self setting, so it eliminates the need to set with powder. As it is self setting, it does dry fairly quickly upon application, so I recommend working in sections rather than applying the foundation all over and then blending it out. It's available at Sephora for $52.


YSL All Hours Full Coverage Matte Foundation
I love wearing this foundation when I'm going out somewhere fancy and it's just soo good. Again, it's fantastic for oily skin because it's long wearing, waterproof and a natural matte finish. It blurs pores and imperfections while being really comfortable on the skin. The shade range is more limited with 15 shades and is a higher price tag but I still love it so much.  It's available at YSL counters, Mecca Cosmetica and Sephora for $89.


Kat Von D Lock-It Liquid Foundation
I recently discovered this foundation and I really like it! The coverage is so full, it's crazy and it would definitely cover up any skin concerns and tattoos. The formula is quite thick so I like to use it sparingly and that works really well. This foundation is also cruelty free and vegan which can be difficult to find. This foundation is available at Sephora for $52.


W7 Very Vegan HD Foundation
If you're looking for a full coverage foundation, that's mattifying, long wearing and gives a flawless look that won't break the bank this is it! Initially,  I was a bit skeptical that it would be good but I am in love! It makes my skin look amazing and won't budge throughout the day at all. It is also vegan and is available at Chemist Warehouse for $9.95.


I hope you enjoyed this extensive run through of my favourite foundations so far and found it helpful! I really enjoyed writing this post and please let me know if you want more of these types of posts in the future.

Hi guys!

It's been a little while since I've posted on here and I'm excited to get back into it.

Today it's all about the JUNO & Co Microfibre Velvet Sponge. This sponge is relatively new to Australian stores as Mecca Maxima have only recently starting stocking it. So how is this sponge different? What's the hype about it? Is it any better than a Beauty Blender sponge? Well, lets dive right in.

Photo Credit: JUNO & Co Website

So if you haven't heard about it before, this makeup sponge claims to give a more natural, airbrushed foundation finish. It's unique as it's made with velvet-soft microfiber bristles and a slanted edge for controlled stippling. You can use it wet for liquid foundations, concealers and for contouring. You can also use it dry for powder products such as blushes, bronzers and highlighters.

The sponge itself is very lightweight and is quite fuzzy. It's unlike a foundation sponge I've ever used before. When dry, it's a similar size to a dry Beauty Blender sponge. When wet, it does definitely increase in size and still feels very lightweight.

Dry JUNO & Co sponge VS dry Beauty Blender

The shape of the sponge is quite different to any other I've used before. It has a flat bottom for more
ergonomic and natural looking all-over application and a tapered design to blend perfectly with the contours of the face. It feels very different on the face as opposed to a Beauty Blender sponge or even a Real Techniques sponge. It feels both firmer yet softer when using it on the face but works really well to blend foundation. I found that it maybe didn't fit as well into the inner corners of my eyes as well as a Beauty Blender but I think that this due to the different shape. I feel like I need to use it a few times before I get used to it but so far I really like it. 

The unique shape and texture of the sponge

It definitely doesn't soak up as much foundation as other makeup sponges I've used before and this is due to the dual layer technology. The outside layer is made of ultra-soft, non-abrasive microfiber material and the second layer is a traditional antimicrobial makeup blender. When these two layers work together, they create a fusion technology that provides the perfect blend using less product.

If you're comparing on price alone, then this one's going to be a winner! It retails for $9 at Mecca Maxima which is definitely kinder to your wallet than Beauty Blender which retails for $30 at Sephora. I actually found out recently that it's recommended to change your makeup sponge every three months which seems much more realistic if the sponge is $9 as opposed to $30.

So in conclusion, this sponge is definitely a winner from me! It blends liquid foundation really well and is a great price. It soaks up less foundation and feels very soft on the skin. I'm a JUNO & Co Microfibre Velvet Sponge convert! It's available now from the JUNO & Co website and from Mecca Maxima online here and instore.