First taste of Lush -- Lush Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar

Surprised?!?!?!?!?!

I bet you are! Probably not surprised by the fact that I've never actually tried LUSH before, but by the fact that my first product to post about isn't a cosmetic product, but rather...a massage bar. Haha.

I was invited to Lush's Blogger Event not too long ago, where I had fun  learning about LUSH's products and also their brand as a whole. As the night came to an end, Lush kindly offered us to list down 3 products we'd like to try, and their Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar ($14.95) was one of the three that I've chosen.

Mumma's sores and aches have been acting up (to be quite bad) lately, so I figured that this massage bar would help out alot, and seeing that it claims to "sort out aching muscles", I just couldn't pass it up!! ^_^

Those beans that you're looking at are "aduki beans" which I'm not too sure why they're there, but they surely do offer a nice texture since you can also use that side to massage the body. I really like how it feels, but Mumma finds no use in those beans.. Not to mention that sometimes when the beans break, they can become scratchy for you to hold... So you'd just have to pick them out eventually.. >_<"

I'm not complaining about the beans though.. I love the idea of using the textured/bumpy side to massage and furthermore, I really like how it feels when rubbed onto the skin! It's not oily, but it's almost like a thicker butter that leaves the skin feeling moisturised and supple! Yes, I sometimes would rub the leftover all over my hands... :P

The bar has a strong lemongrass scent, methinks. Mumma isn't a fan of it, so after this bar runs out, I'll be looking into their other massage bars instead. Mumma also didn't feel like it relieved any of her sores as claimed, so that's a dud!

I'm pretty excited to finish up this massage bar... Not only because I want to try out their other massage bars, but I also really want to see what the end product will look like. LOL! I'm guessing that I'll be left with a bunch of beans... Hahaha.. Oh, can you imagine?!

Have you tried Lush's Massage Bars?

What oils/bars do YOU use for massages?

Please leave me your recommendations!

The next massage bar that I'll look into will be "Hottie", since it also claims to help aching muscles! Hopefully it works!


Disclaimer: Product was provided for review consideration only. I was not obligated to review, mention or post about this product. All opinions featured within this post belongs to myself!

Pigments Nail Art: The Dark Version ft. Eclipse & Bella Pierre

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT IT'S ALREADY HALF WAY THROUGH THE MONTH OF JUNE?

Ya. I also cannot believe it, because it hasn't been too long ago that I've posted my "Drugstore Launches" for the month of June, and next thing you know... BAM! I need to start compiling info and photos for Drugstore Launches for the month of July. Eeeek.

Time flies when you're older, methinks.

Anyways, in my previous "pigments nail art" project, I promised that I'll also show you my dark version! I'll be showing you that today, but if you're unfamiliar with the idea... In a nutshell, it's a simple nail art method using eyeshow pigments. You start off with a base colour, apply a clear top coat once the base dries and then sprinkle on loose pigments!

This was my "light" version using Models Prefer' pigments...

AND, here is my dark version using Bella Pierre's pigment stack.

Yes... if you're familiar with Bella Pierre cosmetics, their shimmer pigments stack actually retails for $99.95 on their website.. But lucky me, I've thrifted it at the markets for only $1-$2! The colours it features are beautiful and rich. I've been wanting to bring it into some sort of use, besides using it for the eyes. This was the perfect chance!

As for the base, I've used Eclipse #219 흑 장 미. I have absolutely NO idea what its name is, but a quick google tells me that "흑" translates to "black", and "장 미" translates to "chapters"... which makes absolutely NO sense.

Further research for this blog (and just for the fun of it)... Googling images for "장 미" gives photos of roses, and the whole phrase together "흑 장 미" gives me photos of black roses! Therefore, may I conclude that the name of this polish is called "Black Roses"? Yes. Absolutely.. LOL.

Ok. That's it for today's Korean 101 class. Our next class will be held when another Eclipse nail polish is featured.

Black Roses is a very, very dark (non-plummy!) red that looks very much like black at a glimpse. The lacquer applied flawlessly as every other Eclipse Nail Polish. Pigmented, non-streaky, non-gloopy, smooth -- everything you can ask for! But as always, it also chipped after a day or so.. >_<"

I really like the gold and the reddish-purple colour that I've used. I can definitely imagine the gold pigments on a bright red for Chinese New Year inspired nails, what do you say?!

Have you got around to trying Pigment Nails yet?!?!

Also, I will continueing my my series of Saturday's Swatches starting from next Saturday for those who are wondering! I've ran out of products to swatch... eeep! Need to hit up Priceline or Big W to swatch & run, methinks!

Nail Polish Hoard: Savvy, Models Prefer, Maybelline, COVERGIRL

I hate me sometimes.

I've always wondered which part of me decided to start my series of "Some Outstanding Sales" post. It'd only make sense if I was good at handling myself when great sales are around, right?

Well..... GUESS WOT? (I'm pretty sure you already know anyways...)

I am nowhere near good.. T_T It's a shame to say, but I just have to put this out there......... the goarder part of me has been taking over control these days! Since my previous sales post, I've immediately rushed out to purchase a bunch of nail polishes...

My first stop was at Priceline and these Savvy nail polishes (with a price tag of $3!) caught my eyes.. Picked up some pretty shade that isn't all that similar to what I have in my current collection.. err.. good, right?

Grey, Splash & Dash, Teal

Also snagged these two beauty packs by Models Prefer for only $5 each! BARGAIN!

I actually saw the black and white glitter polish from their larger set of 18 nail polishes first. Was very keen on it, but just wasn't keen on getting the WHOLE set for the sake of 1 nail polish, so I searched around to see if they had a smaller set or individual full size. That was when I found this pack of 2 for $5! SUCH a steal uleh.

The second pack is a better bargain, methinks. A powder blush and a creme blusher stick for just $5! It's a smaller sized powder blush, but I'm still happy with that. The smaller, the better! Mainly because I struggle SO hard to finish any full-sized blush.....................................

Na. I just want to be able to fit in more blushers. LOL..... Just kidding!

Well, second stop was at Chemist Warehouse for $1.99 Sinful Colour Nail Polishes, but I've searched two Chemist Warehouses and found NONE! The ladies said "they must haven't arrived yet", although the range is advertised in their current catalogue. What a waste of time...

Of course, that didn't stop me from making a trip to my third destination -- Target!

Initially, all I wanted to do at Target was to check whether Maybelline's $4 OFF and Covergirl's $3 OFF included their nail range......... but, um, this happened:

What can you say? Maybelline's $4 OFF deal surely does include their nail polish range -- making these drop down to only $1.95 each!

Sapphire Siren, Twilight Rays, Blue Freeze, Wine & Dined

Fierce N Tangy, Green with Envy, Pink Shock, Paint The Town

Checked these babies out, but I TOTALLY forgot to check whether Covergirl's nail polishes were included in their $3 OFF deal, so I went back......

...where this happened... =(

320 Midnight Magic, 230 Golden Opportunity, 190 Wine to Five

240 Coral Silk, 200 Always Naked, 285 Mint Mojito

The after sale price is $3 each for these. They also had a really nice bright candy blue in the range, but I thought.. How many bright candy blues do I really need?

So I picked up all these shades that are quite unfamiliar to my collection.. I'm lacking mints, nudes, foils, wine reds and light, peachy corals :P

Adding to this.. I've also got a huge market haul that I've yet to post about... SIGH. And there are more nail polishes there... >.>

If you are up for $2 Maybelline nail polishes or $3 Covergirl nail polishes,

NOW is the time!

If you're a sales lover, don't forget to check out my previous sales post! ^_^

Some Outstanding Sales (07 June 13): Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Big W, Target

There's a sales party across ALL stores this fortnight guys! Not bad sales tooooo... I have already purchased a *few* things and I WILL show you soon! =)

1. PRICELINE: Introductory offers:

• Max Factor's NEW Clump Defy Mascara -- $12.47.
• Rimmel London's Accelerator Endless Mascara -- $11.95, and receive FREE Scandaleyes Eyeliner

2. PRICELINE: 50% OFF Model's Prefer Storage Cosmetics range -- brush holders, etc. Ends 17 June 2013.

3. PRICELINE: $3 on Australis Cosmetics clearance items (selected items only), such as: Space Jam Glitter Nail Polish; some of their regular blushers; Mint Lip Conditioners; and eyeshadow palettes. Ends 17 June 2013.

4. PRICELINE: $5 and $10 on Models Prefer BEAUTY PACKS -- they actually are quite nice! There are blusher sets, nail sets and lip sets! Worth a check. Ends 17 June 2013.

5. PRICELINE: Buy One Get One Free (BOGO):

• Sally Hansen Nail Colours -- They've just launched their Lustre range (duochromatics)!
• Ardell's entire range -- Lashes, lashes and lashes! 

6. PRICELINE: $3 on Savvy's Nail Colours -- they had some pretty glitters and creme mints, neons and darks. Ends 17 June 2013.

7. PRICELINE: Save 40% on Physician Formula's ENTIRE range! Ends 17 June 2013.

8. PRICELINE: I generally don't include 30%, but it's a great save on nail polishes, methinks!

• 30% OFF Covergirl -- They've just launched their new [highly-raved] Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation!
• 30% OFF Bourjois Paris
• 30% OFF Almay 
• 30% OFF L'Oreal Paris [All EYES]

9. TARGET: $4 OFF Maybelline -- Includes their ColorShow Nail Colours ($1.95) and Total Clean Express Eye Make-Up Remover ($2.80)! Ends 12 June 2013.

10. TARGET: 25% OFF L'Oreal -- Includes their Color Riche Nail Vernis ($4.50)! Ends 12 June 2013.

11. TARGET: $4 OFF Covergirl -- Good timing to pick up their nail polishes ($2.95)! Ends 12 June 2013.

12. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: 2 Avene Eau Thermal Spring Water for $19.99! RRP $20 each. Ends 16 June 2013.

13. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: $1.99 for Sinful Colors -- I've visited 2 Chemist Warehouses and NEITHER had Sinful Colours... Weird. Ends 16 June 2013.

14. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE: All CUTEX Nail Polish Removers for $2.99! Ends 16 June 2013.

15. CHEMIST WAREHOUSE:

• 50% OFF Rimmel London
• 50% OFF Revlon
• 50% OFF Sally Hansen
• 50% OFF Maybelline

16. BIG W: 25% OFF Face Of Australia -- If you've been eye-ing their Glitterati collection or their NEW BB cream.. go for gold! Not sure of end date.

17. BIG W: 35% OFF NP Set. Not sure of end date.

BATTLES OF THE BEST BUYS

Priceline: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks ($10 each)

VS

Chemist Warehouse: 50% OFF Maybelline (equates to $8-9)

-- Chemist Warehouse wins (unless you live outside of NSW)

Priceline: Buy Rimmel's Accelerator Endless Mascara & receive FREE ScandalEyes Eyeliner

VS

TARGET: Buy ANY Rimmel mascara & receive FREE ScandalEyes W/proof Black Eyeliner

-- Best buy depends on whether you prefer a free choice of eyeliner OR mascara

I've hauled home a few items from this fortnight's sale.. SHOW YA SOON!

Hope you've enjoyed the post! Let me know which stores (plural because I know you too well!) you will be hitting up!

Max Factor Colour Elixir Giant Pen Sticks

The looooooooooong awaited review for Max Factor's Giant Pen Sticks! I'm so excited to share this post with you guys, because these are ze bomb. I really like them and I'm hoping that you will too!

To be honest, I was kind of skeptical about these lipstick/balm hybrids. I didn't think I'd like these at all. I honestly thought they'd be annoyingly slippery and sheer on the lips, but most shades from the range are pretty pigmented and are easy to build up on the lips. SO happy to report to you all that they don't slip and slide on the lips. They glide on smoothly and settle really nicely, without making the lips feel dry ^_^!

In terms of the lasting power, I feel like there's only a slight consistency across the 6 shades. Each shade has their own level of pigmentation and ultimately, that also contributes to their longevity.

Probably the most true-to-swatch shades I've ever photographed ~.~

In no particular order....

Couture Blush

Couture Blush was my first pick to trial and it's definitely one of my favourites from the range. I'm ALWAYS in for these muted/nudey pinks and fortunately, it's a shade that I can work with, without looking washed out (or lookin' like a dead fish). It's decently pigmented, but coverage could be built up in a whim! I can sport this shade without any worries for up to 3-4 hours before having to touch up.

Vibrant Pink

Vibrant Pink.. I honestly didn't think I'd like it, because it looked a bit hard to wear/pull off.. HOWEVER! When I applied this... I instantly fell in "like" (possible, yes?). I reaaaaaally like this colour and I would highly recommend it if you are in for bright pinks (*ahem* @sleepandwater). It's BEAUTIFUL and is really easy to pull off!

I felt like the texture of this shade was outstanding. Other shades aren't bad at all, but this one just applied to be amazingly smooth and pigmented. Settles, stains and sits on the lips quite nicely. Truthfully, I can't pin point the exact lasting time for this, but it lasts no lesser than Couture Blush.

Intense Plum (eeek!)

Intense Plum is an intense, dark plummy shade with teeny, tiny purple shimmers.  The purple shimmers give off a subtle (purple-y/violet), metallic sheen on the lips when worn. It leaves a tad of a stain when blotted, but is quite easy to remove. Intense Plum is a high-maintenance shade. I've worn it on the lips for up to 6 hours before removal, but I found myself touching up every 2 hours because the colour kept fading from the centre!

Passionate Red

Passionate Red is described by my sister as an "old lady" colour. It's a deeper red that I'm not too fond off, but somehow looks so nice on me in the photo above (wot?). Nothing bad about the shade, but I just personally prefer brights better. It's quite pigmented and can last for yonks too. It IS prone to bleed after a large meal so please be careful! Also needs touch up!

Designer Blossom

Designer Blossom is a sheerer and warmer-toned red. Very quick and easy to build up. At a sheerer application, it's a really cute watermelon-red! This shade is perfect for those who wants to give red lips a go, or sport red lips without looking too overdone for uni or work.

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate -- the sheerest of them ALL. This shade is more like a tint than anything else. It has a bronzey-base colour with golden shimmers, but once applied, the outcome depends [wholely] on your natural lip colour. For me, it's very much of a MLBB (my lips but better) lip colour, which I don't mind. I can definitely see me wearing it on more natural days, but I still prefer pinks! I also couldn't pin down the exact lasting time for this because the colour is so sheer! However, the gloss that it offers lasted quite a while..

In all, I really like these Giant Pen Sticks (so much that I went out and bought 4 for my Instagram giveaway!). Vibrant Pink, Couture Blush and Designer Blossom are my faveees.

Please note that these Giant Pen Sticks aren't twistable, so you'll need a jumbo sharpener for them. I suggest that you throw these into the fridge before sharpening, to harden up the product. Also, when slotting on the cap, be EXTRA careful because these are so creamy and soft that you'll slide the cap RIGHT into the product... Trust me... I know.... >__<"

What are YOUR thoughts of Max Factor's Giant Pen Sticks?

Which shades are your favourite picks?

Max Factor Colour Elixir Giant Pen Sticks, 6 shades, $9.95, available at Priceline, Big W, Target and other Max Factor stockists.


Disclaimer: These products were provided for review consideration. All opinions within this post are of my own and remains uninfluenced.

Drugstore Cosmetic Launches for Australia -- June 2013

It's the end of ze month, which means it's time for launches again!! ^_^

My launch posts have been a tad rusty lately, but I still hope you guys DO enjoy reading these posts! They are probably one of my favourite things to posts about. If you're not down for reading then you can also check out my YouTube channel where I also post vlog-versions of these launches!

-----------------------------------------

BYS strikes again with their new Lash Extend & Lash Fibre Mascara which offers voluptous, high-impact lashes for all! I've seen these products around before... yes, and those crazily photoshopped photos too. Eek!

RRP $9.95, available at GLOSS stores.

Straying away from the regular black, Rimmel adds a pop of lime to their new Lash Accelerator! It offers long, lush lashes.

Yeap. That is all.


RRP $17.95

Max Factor hits the shelves up with a mascara too! Their new Clump Defy Mascara is suppose to offer voluminous, clump-free lashes with its "anti-clump" brush. How, you asked? 

It features precisely aligned bristles with a lash-hugging designed curved brush. 

RRP $24.95

Max Factor also released their very own Giant Pen Sticks! These lipbalm/stick hybrids were launched last month and I have swatches of them here. I REALLY like these products and I do have a review coming up in a few days! 

My favourite picks are Couture Blush and Vibrant Pink! ^_^

RRP $9.95, 6 shades.

Australis hits us up with ANOTHER innovative product -- Matte Me Lip Mattifier Stick. This one launched some time ago, but I thought I'd still include it for you guys who weren't aware. Apply it as a base to any lipstick to mattify any lip colour! I've yet to try this, but I'd love to know if you have!

RRP $12.95

L'Oreal Paris also releases antoher lip product -- their Infallible 2-Step Longwear Lipstick! The 2-in-1 lip product claims to offer ALL DAY hydration for a comfortable wear, smoothness in colour and ressitance against fading. 

RRP $29.95, available in 14 shades.

That's all for eyes and lips! There's also 2 BB Creams that I'd like to feature!

Face Of Australia launched their newest BB cream which is set to hit stores soon! I've use this once and I'm not too sure how I feel about it yet for its sheer-light coverage. However, it does claim to "hydrate, soothe, even the skintone, protect the skin with UV filters and reduce signs of ageing". 

$9.95, available in 2 shades (Light/Medium, Medium/Dark).

essence's BB cream is another product which has been in stores for a while now too, but again, I thought I'd mention it here because not many people seem to be aware of it. It's an All-In-One BB cream which is described as a "lightly tinted beauty balm that ensures a smooth and radiant complexion". Oil free, fragrance free with SPF 30. 

RRP $6.75, available in 3 shades.

Covergirl has been out of it for a while now, methinks....

This time, they're making a comeback with their NEW Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation with the added benefits of a concealer and primer. Also has SPF and is suitable for sensitive skin. 

RRP $19.95, available in 6 shades.

Another addition to Bourjois' Healthy Mix Foundation family is their latest Radiance Reveal Foundation. It is described to "deliver a fresh, glowing complexion and conceal blemishes whilst letting the skin breath and keep it hydrated for up to eight hours". I wonder if there's really a difference! I'm SO behind.. I've still yet to try their original Healthy Mix! Eeek!

RRP $32, available in 6 shades.

Bourjois also released an exclusive collection of 15 new [mini] nail polishes! The shades were inspired by recent trends and are based on 15 selected milestones from the brand's history! Happy 150th year anniversary to Bourjois!

RRP $5, available in 15 shades.

This month, Revlon hits back with... 4 ranges of nail polishes let me tell ya... 

Brilliant Strength is one of them. It has a strengthening formula that combats breaking and brittleness along with built-in base and top coats. Very important to note that these nail polishes consist of a wide angle brush!

RRP $15.95, not sure how many shades.

From left to right:

• Nail Art Expressionist -- duo-nail polish sticks with a thin nail art brush/colour on one side and a regular base colour on the other. Really like the grey and pink duo! Available in 10 shades.
• Nail Art Neon -- duo-nail polish sticks with neon colours on one end and a white base on the other. Available in 8 shades.
• Nail Art Moon Candy -- duo-nail polish sticks with a dark cream base colours on one end and holographic glitter top coats on the other! Inspired by outer space! Available in 10 shades.

Ahhh!! I've JUST missed it for Revlon's half price sale at Priceline... Wonder when they'll have it again so I could grab some of their Nail Art Moon Candy nail duos! I've heard alot about the one called 'Orbit' which is the first colour in the last photo, I think. 

Besides that, I'm not really excited for anything this month... Eeep.

What are your favourite picks for this month?

Have you tried any of these products yet?

Hope you've enjoyed this post! I will have a sale post and a review of Max Factor's Giant Pen Sticks up soon! ^_^ 

NOTD: Eyeshadow Pigments Nail Art/Manicure

Helllllooooooo. Finally back!

I was hoping to hit back with a review of Max Factor's Color Elixir Giant Pen Sticks, but I can't open the photos to edit right now, so I thought I'd share with you this new "pigments" nail art idea that I've found from Bec's (@nailgunxs) Instagram account. The link to the pigments nail tutorial is here.

Nooooooooooo.. I'm not talking about DIY Nail Polishes here.. The idea of 'pigment nails' is to basically apply a base colour, whip on a top coat and [spontaneously] sprinkle on some eyeshadow pigments and then leave to dry.

If you've clicked the link to Bec's post, you would've seen two versions of her 'Pigment Nails' manicure. With inspiration, I've also attempted both the light and dark versions!

For the light version, I've used Ozotic Pro's white nail polish as a base colour, along with two old eyeshadow pigments by Models Prefer. My sister had these loose pigments in her collection for a while now and she was actually contemplating to chuck them out. Lucky she didn't, because I actually don't own too many loose eyeshadow pigments myself!

This manicure was really easy and fun to do! I wished that big green blob on my middle finger didn't happen though... There's no going back guys, so be careful if you're going to attempt this! ~.~

For those wondering whether the pigmentation of the loose pigments matters or not... I'd say it DOES play a role. I've swatched these loose pigments and frankly, they're not the most pigmented. Therefore, when I used the pigments, I had to go over with several layers

It wholely depends on you, I guess -- whether you like the colours dull and faded or bright and intense. On my thumb, I only did one layer and I do like how subtle it looks! ^_^!

As for my dark version.............................................................................

Highlight here ------> I'll show you soon in an upcoming post!

Which base colour would YOU use?

Which colour pigments would pair with that base colour?

If you DO decide to try these 'pigment nails' (or you already have), leave us your link below! Alternatively, you could also tweet me, tag me on Instragram (@the_beautifool) or post it on my Facebook page! ^_^