June was a busy, busy month in terms of skincare and makeup releases so I’ve decided to split them in two and feature monthly, curated summaries of products I purchased and products I was sent for review.
La Mav Organic BB Créme – RRP $49.96, Gifted
I’m a big fan of BB Crème and use one every day, either on its own or under foundation. The bonus of adding a BB crème into your make-up routine is that it minimises the products required to achieve a divine complexion. “La Mav’s Organic BB Crème acts as a moisturiser, primer and light foundation and works to give your skin a healthy, radiant glow. Skin imperfections will fade away with La Mav’s colour corrective formula, while the light foundation tint will give you enough coverage to awaken and smooth your skin”.
This formulation is a bit thicker and creamier than most BB Crèmes I’ve used so doesn’t quite glide on as easily as I’m used to. It’s also quite pigmented, which is fine for my skin tone but a little too much for those with paler skin. I’ve given this to my Mum as she likes a bit more coverage than the average BB Créme gives so this offering from La Mav is perfect.
All La Mav products are 100% plant based, certified organic and cruelty free – they are also free from harsh chemicals including parabens, talc, phthalates, petro chemicals, sulphated surfactants, synthetic fragrance and colours and silicon.
Available from Health 2000 and other selected retailers.
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Defining Singles – RRP $58, Available August 3rd, 2015, Gifted
I have one of these stunning singles in Naked Gold and quite simply, the depth of colour and creamy finish is luxe. The flawless formulation of the NEW Pure Color Envy Eye Defining Singles is long lasting, non-flaky, blends super well and layers like a charm. Combining the best properties of a cream, powder and gel all-in-one the result is crease-resistant colour that goes the distance.
NEW Pure Color Envy Eye Defining Singles allow you to build a collection of your favourite shades with twenty new hues covering the spectrum.
Available on counter or from Smith and Caughey’s August 3rd 2015.
Karen Murrell #7 Fuchsia Shock Lipstick – RRP $29.95, Gifted
Ya’ll know how much I LOVE Karen Murrell’s lipsticks {um…>here and here} and Fuchsia Shock is a winner. Warm pink, not an icy one, this lippy has depth and would compliment many skintones. A bright lip is a great way to vamp up a boring outfit, so be brave and wear this bold shade with confidence.
Karen Murrell lipsticks are of course cruelty free, ‘vegetarian’ lispticks, containing natural super-heroes;
- – Avocado Oil – provides lips with hydration and protection,
- – Cinnamon – plumps lips to make them look fuller,
- – Evening Primrose Oil – rich in Omega 6, soothes and moisturises dry lips,
- – Carnauba Wax – renowned for its high melting point, ensures Karen Murrell lipsticks do not melt in handbags.
- Keep reading to win Fuchsia Shock for yourself!
Available from selected pharmacies and health food stores. For more information or to locate your nearest stockist, please visit www.karenmurrell.com
Blinc Eyebrow Mousse – RRP $39.95, Gifted
My ride-or-die brow bff is Benefit Instant Brow Pencil. I love it. But, tbh, it’s starting to piss me off as it sharpens terribly and the lead always breaks, so I’m finding there is a lot of wastage.
Blinc Eyebrow Mousse is a different creature entirely. It holds and sculpts like a gel (I’ve tried it and it doesn’t go crispy!), tints hair and fills in sparse areas with water resistant colour. Claimed never to fade, run or smudge, blinc is ready for all day wear. Available in 9 shades, I chose the Light Brunette which is actually quite dark. I have black eyebrows, so this works, but it definitely creates a high impact look on me.
This is a great product. The colour is rich and long wearing, however I find it difficult to get a really nice defined line on my brows with the wand, not sure that makes sense, but it’s easy to do with a pencil. It does have the added benefit of anti-aging peptides for your skin.
Available at beauty salons nationwide, 0800 144 562
Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer – RRP $38, Purchased
Love, love, love this! Industrial strength concealer, really? Yes. I ran into the Benefit counter (Dave was parked in a 5 min loading zone) and said “I need an epic concealer!”, the Bene-babe asked what I wanted it to do – cover redness – 30 seconds later I was back in the car with my new best friend. I look forward to putting this on every day. It, doesn’t budge, doesn’t dry, doesn’t cake. But mostly I love it because it wears ALL day long and makes my skin look as amazing as my skin can get. I apply it with my fingers, warming it between your thumb and forefinger makes it glide on super smoothly. This is a wonder-product for me, I highly recommend it.
Available on counter or online at Smith & Caughey’s
Estée Lauder Little Black Primer – RRP $50, Gifted
Released in March, this Little Black Primer is a multi-tasker’s dream product. It tints, amplifies and sets lashes. As a primer it helps lashes retain curl, and increases the length and volume that can be achieved with mascara. On it’s own I find it a perfect, subtle mascara that’s budge-proof, I don’t get the length I would if I was wearing mascara alone, but sometimes manga eyes are overkill anyway. Thirdly you can wear it as a topcoat for your existing mascara. This is perfect if you need a water-resistant helping hand for the day.
Great product, I prefer wearing it on it’s own or as a top-coat as I find it a little clumpy as a primer.
Available on counter or online at Smith & Caughey’s
Revitalash® Advanced Eyelash Conditioner – RRP $120-$185, Gifted
To be honest, I was dubious about this product when I first received it. But, after doing some research and having a pretty frank discussion with my hairdresser about how healthy hair is actually achieved, I’m now a Revitalash® convert. It’s hard for me to say I’ve noticed results as I have a memory like a sieve and haven’t actually used the product daily for any period of time (more like 3 times per week), plus I actually already have quite long, full lashes anyway, but, the science makes sense.
This is not the brands description, but I see Revitalash® as a multi-vitamin serum for your lashes. If you keep your follicles healthy it follows that you eyelashes should benefit. Designed to combat eyelash aging and stress, Revitalash® acts to protect against breakage and brittleness plus improve flexibility moisture and shine.
I’ve found the conditioning treatment super easy to apply and use.
RevitaLash® Cosmetics are available at selected beauty therapy clinics nationwide and online at www.blackorchid.co.nz.
Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer – RRP $46, Gifted
This colour (WOW Pop) is amazing. Seriously, so rich and super pigmented. It’s definitely a brave colour for me, I need to be in major babe mode to feel comfortable wearing it, but sometimes this happens…..
The addition of a primer to this new release from Clinique gives Colour Pop max staying power. It’s also non-drying with a lovely velvet finish – which I much prefer over sticky looking lips at the moment. Available in 16 shades, I’ve got the Nude Pop on my wish list!
Available on counter or online at Smith & Caughey’s
Estée Lauder Magic Smokey™ Powder Shadow Stick – RRP $45, Gifted
I struggle with eyeshadow, I find it super tricky to apply and end up removing it 9/10 times. I may be a total novice in the makeup department but I can hold a pencil, and I can use the new Magic Smokey™ Powder Shadow stick which arrives on counter next month. This is the first time Estée Lauder have offered a powder shadow in a pencil and I’m quite sure this will become a cult favourite. Even I can manage a smokey eye with this pencil!
It glides on effortlessly so you can layer as little or as much as you like depending on how much coverage you want. I’ve got the Slow Burn, which is a stunning bronze in a shimmer finish. It’s perfect as a sheer powder for a day look, or lined along my lashes and layered to create a smokey eye for night time.
Head to an Estée counter and try this, it’s so easy you’ll love it!
Available on counter August 2015 or online at Smith & Caughey’s.
Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation – RRP $62, Gifted
I’ve already reviewed this black box of perfection so if you missed it, take a look here
G I V E A W A Y
If you would like to win a Karen Murrell Lipstick in this months featured colour – Fuchsia Shock, just comment below with which product has piqued your interest. I’ll draw the winner on Sunday 12th July. Good luck!
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