Review: b collection- Crackle Top Coat in White

b collection by Bloom is a bold and stylish collection of 12 products (face, cheeks, lips, eyes, nails), available exclusively at Target stores in Australia.

Bloom Cosmetics Creater, Natalie- “b collection by Bloom is an expression of my love of bold colour. Whilst this range is modestly priced, that doesn’t mean we’ve compromised on quality – I could never put my name on a product that I wasn’t proud to use myself”

 b collection welcomes a brand new addition to their collection of nail polish.
Introducing... the Crackle Top Coat- ''The essential tool for express nail art''! Crackle Top Coat adds the unique finish to your nails this season!

Crackle Top Coat in Black

Crackle Top Coat in White

Crackle Top Coat is very simple to use! Just apply one coat over your favourite nail colour and watch as the top coat shatters, allowing the base coat to peek through. Application using different brush strokes will create different crackle effects. Accomplish funky looks by applying Crackle Top Coat horizontally or vertically across the nail cuticle.

Crackle Top Coat comes in black or white. I was given the chance to trial the white Crackle Top Coat and I've been having a lot of fun watching my nails 'crackle'. The base colour I'm wearing is OPI Yodel Me On My Cell from the Irre-Swiss-Ables collection that I reviewed here.

The white Crackle Top Coat formula was a little thicker than the regular nail polish and you can see that streaking effect which matches the 'crackle' effect. 

b collection Crackle Top Coat (A$12.95) will be available from 3rd October 2011, exclusive to Australian Target stores.

What do you think of the increasing trend in these 'crackle' top coat nail polishes?

What's the best combination of shades you have created?

Rose

Product was provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I  did not receive remuneration to post this product review.

Dessert: Belgian Dark Chocolate Soufflés

Today I discovered that Woolworths (or Safeway in Victoria) stock some delectable and indulgent desserts amongst their chocolate mud cakes and pecan danishes etc... What I picked up and took home with me this afternoon was a set of two Belgian Dark Chocolate Soufflés!! Yum!! 

The fruit and veg section in Woolies had a few punnets of juicy strawberries at $1.50 a box, so I couldn't go home without a box or two!

So, here are the soufflés I purchased, one for the boy and the other for me! The set comes with two glass ramekins and all you need to do is transfer the soufflé mix (best to use a butter knife) from the plastic sealed container to the glass ramekins provided in the set and bake it for 30 minutes at 140°C. 

Dark chocolate is my FAVOURITE! Although dark chocolate tastes slightly bitter, I'd suggest to indulge in this Belgian Dark Chocolate Soufflés with a few strawberries to balance the taste. 

Which dessert do you love from Woolies/Safeway?

Do you know how to make soufflé at home? I now have two empty glass ramekins which need to be filled up and I'd love to know the recipe if you're willing to share =)

Rose

Review: Palmer's Purifying Mask

My skin type is combination/oily and the only masks which are suitable and work effectively to clear out my pores and draw out impurities from my skin are kaolin clay-based masks. If your skin is dry, a light creamy emollient-based mask is the one for you.

Frankly, Palmers Purifying Mask is my one and only go-to mask for pampering and treating my skin! I’ve been using this mask for about 5 weeks and I find this product very effective and indulgent to use!

Palmer’s Purifying Mask is packaged in a large soft squeeze tube with the cap at the base. This makes dispensing the product so easy when I’ve used up more than 50% of the product.

I use this mask 2-3 times a week and leave if on for about 10 minutes, or when the kaolin clay dries as the natural active ingredients and essential oils from the mask purifies my skin.

Palmer’s Purifying Mask is a relatively thick cream comprised of natural green clay which clears out my clogged pores and natural almond oil to moisturise the skin surface. Although the texture is very thick it was very easy to gently and evenly spread a thin layer of the product across my face and around the eyes.

Immediately after application, my face felt this luxurious cooling sensation that made me feel so relaxed and heavenly! The cooling and hydrating properties of this clay mask comes from the presence of chamomile and primrose oil. Interesting to note is the presence of aloe and cocoa butter which help to soothe my skin and leaving it to appear bright and radiant right after rinsing my face.  I didn’t feel any tightness, redness or dryness after using this mask.

It’s always a soothing experience when I use this mask and since using this mask, my skin is clearer and break-outs are non-existant, besides from 'that time of the month' hormonal break-outs.

Palmer’s Purifying Mask is reasonably priced at A$9.99 for a 120g tube and it will last a very long time, considering you only need to use a small amount 2-3 times a week.  

What are your thoughts on Palmer's Purifying Mask?

 Have you used clay masks before?

Rose

ASOS Wish List

Popular UK fashion label ASOS has recently launched their Australian ASOS online store and I've had my eyes glued to the screen since the launch of their site! I though I'd share some items in my ASOS wish list,  so here it is...

ASOS Tulip Dress with Tie Back

TFNC Contrast Sash Bandeau Dress

ASOS Petite Exclusive Foldover Halter Sundress

ASOS Petite Asymmetric Frill Cheesecloth Maxi

The Australian ASOS website offers free standard shipping (up to 8 days delivery) to all Australian online orders. 

Have you purchased anything from Australia's ASOS site yet?

Which fashion piece are you lemming at the moment?

Rose

Bloom Cosmetics & April Greaves Belle de Jour Collection

Bloom Cosmetics and reknowned New York based International Makeup Artist April Greaves have collaborated on a brand new makeup collection called Belle de Jour. The inspiration of Belle de Jour originated from Yves Saint Laurent's long-time muse Catherine Deneuve in Luis Bunuel's cult 1966 French film of the same title. Think beautifully contoured eyes, perfectly shaped brows, radiant skin and glossy lush lips. April Greaves was inspired by this look and decided to reinvent this classic iconic look for the modern girl today alongside Bloom Cosmetics.

''Delicate, feminine and alluring. Bloom's Belle de Jour evokes a feeling of classic, cinematic beauty with a French modern twist.''

Belle de Jour includes a four lovely products which boasts multifunctionality:

Waterproof Eye Crayon in Black, Chocolate and Taupe (A$25)

Eye Brow Duo (A$25)

Cream Blush Duo (A$38)

Super Glossy Lips (A$25)

Greaves also created a brand new berry-hued shade: Bloom Lip Duo (A$28)

Belle de Jour Colour Collection will be available 3rd October 2011 at selected Myer store, David Jones and Bloom's Flagship Store (Chapel St., South Yarra, VIC) and online at www.bloomcosmetics.com.au

Images were provided by a PR company.

What do you think of Bloom Cosmetics' collaboration with April Greaves?
Which product would you love to try most?

Rose

My First Beauty Box (September)

My excitement had escalated when I received a notice in the mail that a parcel awaits my arrival for collection. I was anticipating for this parcel to be my Beauty Box which I talked about here. The parcel was indeed from Beauty Box YAY! I received a hot pink box with the words Beauty Box written accross and the actual Beauty Box was inside. I think this Beauty Box would be great for makeup storage etc.

September Beauty Box

I haven't tried any of these products before, so I'm keen to try each one. I've tried a different version of Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil (pink tinted bottle) and Marc Jacobs Lola. I love both of these products that I've used, so I'm very happy to have received a different version of the cleansing oil and the newest Marc Jacobs Fragrance, alongside the products from Sally Hansen, Playboy and YSL.

I guess my expectations were too high on this first box, so I really do hope the next few boxes will come with bigger surprises. I hope the next box will come with colour makeup and nail polish.

Included in this gorgeous box with a hot pink ribbon adorned was a greeting card from Michelle and the Beauty Box Team. On the other side of the card there is information on the products included in this month's box.

 

Contents of the September Beauty Box includes the following products:

Marc Jacobs 'Oh! Lola!' perfume vials, 1.2 mL each, 3 vials worth A$5.75 (full size 100 ml rrpA$160)

Playboy 'Play It Spicey' Body Spray, 75 mL full size (rrpA$4.49)

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil (suitable for all skin types), 20 mL worth A$4.65 (full size 450ml rrpA$105)

Sally Hansen Everyday Strength Medium Nail File, rrpA$4.95

Yves Saint Laurent Top Secret Beauty Sleep serum, 5 mL worth A$12.40 (full size 40 ml rrpA$99)

I love all the brands associated with Beauty Box and the wonderful deluxe samples included in September's Beauty Box are products that I would use, especially for travel! I will continue to subscribe to Beauty Box as I like to have a few surprises come through the mail ♥

Have you received your September Beauty Box yet?

What do you think of the contents in this month's box?

Rose

Review: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Faux Pas

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Faux Pas

Illamasqua Faux Pas was gifted to me when I attended the launch of the new Theatre of the Nameless collection which I've been so excited about recently. Faux Pas is a relatively thick glossy nail varnish which dries quickly to provide a smooth, matte and rubber-like finish. I love this unique rubber-look as it's just so different to all other nail varnishes in my collection.

The first coat goes on completely opaque, however, I'd suggest to apply two coats (as I did in the image above) to prolong the wear, as the unique finish means you need to skip the top coat.  

Other shades in this amazing collection are Kink, Vice and Taint. Visit the Illamasqua website to see the full collection.

**Until Sunday 18th September 2011, Illamasqua is offering free worldwide shipping for purchases over £40. Click here for more info.**

What do you think of the finish of these new Illamasqua nail varnishes?

Have you tried them before?

Rose

Illamasqua FREE Worldwide shipping

Just a heads up that you could purchase some of the amazing darkly sophisticated shades from the new Illamasqua Theatre of the Nameless collection and the fabulous Illamasqua range online here and receive FREE worldwide shipping with your purchase over £40.

To redeem your free UK delivery, simply enter the promotional code AWUK when you reach the checkout page of the Illamasqua Shop.

 

To redeem your free international delivery, simply enter the promotional code AW40 at the checkout – when you spend £40 or more.

Offer is available until 11.59pm GMT Sunday 18th September 2011 and applies to one transaction only. 

Have you gotten your hands on the Theatre of the Nameless collection?

Which Illamasqua product is your Holy Grail?

Rose

Review: Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Ore

Illamasqua- 

''Deep in an enchanted forest, the scene is set for a sumptuous feast. The chosen have arrived. Where this night will end no one knows. Not even death is inevitable.
Lured by the promise of immortality, a host of fantastical beings try their hand at creating the ever-elusive Elixir of Life. The resulting potions dazzle the eye and ensnare the senses, a beautiful array of jewel-like substances. They may not deny mortality, but they do make the theatre of life a more colourful stage on which to play.
It’s a melting pot of individuals, where ideas are exchanged, and new ones created. A surreal gathering from which the guests might never awake. Which is why this night can never end, and the game must be played for eternity.
So take your place at the table and let the banquet begin.
This is Art of Darkness.''

The Art of Darkness Collection includes bold, dark and metallic finish cosmetics to ''bring out your bold side''. Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Ore is part of the Art of Darkness A/W 2010 Collection. 

Ore is such a gorgeous shimmery metallic gold/bronze shade that you really have to see it to believe how incredibly pretty this gold irridescent pigment really is! This pure pigment has a gazzilion minute shimmer's which makes it so versatile! Apply Ore to your eyes lightly for a hint of shimmer or heavily for a beautiful Goddess look, add some to the cheeks and even to your collar bone for that extra bit of spark. This is why I love pigments, especially Ore as it is so versatile and convenient!   

Illamasqua- ''Made to be played with. A metallic, high-shine, pure-colour powder that highlights eyes, cheeks and brows. Mix with eye shadow, blusher or use it on its own to intense effect. Bring out your bold side.''

Have you tried Ore before?

Which Illamasqua Pure Pigments do you LOVE?

Rose

Review: Sukin Nourishing Lip Treatment

Sukin is an Australian Natural Skincare company which launched in 2007 and their motto is 'Skincare that doesn't cost the Earth'. 

If you say 'Sukin' repeatedly and very fast, you will hear yourself saying 'skin'!

Sukin produces a range of lovely skin, hair and body products which are all made in Australia. They are against testing on animals and their products do not contain animal derivatives.

I love the atmosphere Sukin brings about as I love using natural and chemical-free skincare products. Sukin products are free from sulphates, synthetic fragrances, petro-chemicals, harsh detergents, EDTA, artificial colours, mineral oils and parabens, just to name a few.

 Sukin Nourishing Lip Treatment is a true stand out within my collection of lip balms. The scent is plesantly light and it smells very very familiar! I couldn't think of the product it smells similar to until a day later when I figured that it smells similar to Bloom's Aromatherapy Lip Balms! 

 Sukin Lip Treatment actually does have 'flavour' as it tastes just like vanilin or something really sweet. This sweet taste is really different though, I do have a sweet tooth afterall!

Sukin Nourishing Lip Treatment is formulated with a number of lovely and natural ingredients such as Calendula (soothes sensitive skin), Sunflower seed oil (nurtures and conditions dry and damaged skin), Jojoba seed oil (provides suppleness and softness to skin), Shea (has hydrating properties) and Rosemary (a strong antioxidant).

This lip treatment is very hydrating and the ingredients within this formula makes it work so well to nourish and heal dry and damaged lips. It also helps to maintain the health of my lips, however, my only concern is this lip treatment has no SPF. The lip is prone to the damaging effects of harmful UV rays, so it is important to protect it using products containing SPF. Since this is a lip treatment, I would reccomend using this product when you're indoors (if you are concerned about the lip treatment containing no SPF) or even after an afternoon shower to heal dry and damaged lips.

The texture of this balm is relatively thick and this is one of the qualities of this balm I really like. The thick texture feels very nourishing and soothing to my lips and it leaves a beautiful glossy shine. The formula is only slightly sticky that it binds onto my lips and doesn't just wipe off. I actually like the level of stickiness because is stays on my lips. I just need to tie my hair up if it's going to be a windy day!

Besides from using this balm on bare lips, I actually love using this lip treatment over lipstick! You should definitely consider applying this over lipstick!! Not only does it add a glossy finish, but it also maintains the colour and lasting power of lipstick.

I love the slanted applicator of this lip treatment as the ease of application is essential. I don't like using the tip of my fingers to apply lip balm, so I'm really glad the packaging of this tube is very convenient.

I've been using this lip treatment almost everyday for about a week and I really love this! The tube contains 10mL of product which may not last long as I'm already addicted to this!

Sukin is available at stores in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, you can view their stockists here.

For more information on their wide range of skincare products click here.

Have you used Sukin skincare products before?

Which products are you favourite?

Rose

Sukin Nourishing Lip Treatment was provided for consideration. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I  did not receive remuneration to post this product review.