EOTD: bhcosmetics Magenta and Sleek Orbit (teal)...

I'm at an age when not getting enough beauty sleep REALLY starts to make a difference to how I look the next day. Fortunately, there are a few little tricks I've learned along the way to deal with the overnight increase in creases and wrinkles, one of which is using matte makeup products, and in this particular case, eye shadows. Sure they're not quite as spectactular as shimmers, but for us older gals, they are a godsend when you wake up with even more crinkles than usual...

Now we all know that matte is flat, but it can still be bold and bright, and this magenta from the bhcosmetics Take Me To Brazil palette is a beauty - I patted this down over the top of Chi Chi Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Hopelessly Devoted, a fabulously cheery hot pink...

I then blended Orbit from the Sleek V2 matte palette from the outer corner, took it into the crease, and also underneath the lower lashline...

Because I felt so bleah (read that as exhausted) I lined the waterline with essence white kajal - this crayon is a lifesaver for brightening up sleep-deprived eyes, which in turn gives the whole face a much needed lift... 

For cheeks I used the brightest pink from the BYS On the Brightside trio, lips are Australis Colour Inject Moisturising Mineral Lipstick in the shade Mash Up, and I topped that with Maybelline Color Elixir Gloss in Hibiscus Haven...

As tired as I am, I'm happy that I made my EOTD monthly quota - next giveaway will be up soon!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: MUA Midnight and MNY Sapphire...

Here's another contribution towards making blue eye shadow fashionable again ♥ It's never really recovered from over exposure in the 80's - I myself avoided it like the plague for at least 25 years, but it's such a pity as there's so many more stunning shades available these days, and it can look quite magical when NOT applied all the way up to the brows lol...

Now that the weather is cooler, I wanted something deep as well as intense, so I laid down two bases - on the inner third was my usual essence white kajal, and on the rest I used my new Chi Chi Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in the shade Dream Lover. I'll do a full review of these liners shortly, but for now let's just say they are amazingly waterproof, budgeproof and smudgeproof...

Over the white kajal went the light blue from the MNY Sapphire Hyperdiamonds palette - a gorgeous shimmery butter soft shadow that's years old, but still works brilliantly. I also took this under the lower lashes over the top of MNY Master Precise Liquid Liner. Over the rest of the lid and in the crease I pressed MUA single matte shadow in Midnight, and then blended the light blue across to just past the half-way mark to give the whole look a bit of sparkle. Used the Chi Chi gel eyeliner on the waterline as well - it has a metallic finish, which is why it doesn't look very even (practice, practice!)...

Cheeks are Lacura blush in Soft Rose, lips are Miss Shop A Little Lippy in Dusty Pink, topped with Mirenesse 3D Forever Gloss in Tease...

I'll be squeezing in one more EOTD tomorrow - can't believe April is almost here!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Vera Wang Be Jeweled EDP...

Wow, I was beginning to think this review was never going to happen! The main reason for the delay is that endeavouring to capture the beauty of this bottle eluded me for many many weeks. It didn't seem to make any difference what angle I chose, or the lighting for that matter, it never seemed to look as gorgeous on camera as it was on the shelf. But persistence is it's own reward, and at last, I'm happy with this shot ♥

I'll digress for a moment, and explain what happens when I walk into a store and I see FRAGRANCES and a SALE sign. In the minutest fraction of a second, I forget what I came in for and make a beeline for the display. The bottle is what immediately catches my eye, so marketers, if you're reading this, packaging is crucial in order to grab my attention. Next I test the scent - I take off the cap and sniff the atomiser nozzle. If I can't smell anything, I look for a tester card, and if there's none available, I squirt a tiny amount into the lid, and sniff again. If my nose says "whoah!", I spray a little onto my wrist and let that settle while I look for the price (and whatever else is on the stand that might be worth investigating). Then after a minute or so I place my wrist close to my nose, and inhale deeply. At this point in time, if I instantly fall in love, the price no longer becomes relevant, but if I'm not taken with it, I move onto the next one, but never more than two per test session else my nose goes into overload. I'm guessing that this scenario is a familiar one he he?

So...probably by now you will have gathered that this exquisitely glamorous bottle stuck a chord way down deep inside my girly soul, and I followed the above process, with my heart beating like a jack rabbit at the prospect of discovering a new love. Well my old ticker skipped a pulse ENTIRELY as I breathed in a gloriously fruity fresh sparkling scent that encapsulated the essence of femininity. Let's see now, an enchanting mix of berry, an envigorating splash of pomegranate, a fair whack of passionfruit (oh lordy!), a handful of (unidentifiable but delicately sweet) petals, and a tinge of musk - in short, right up my fragrance alley. Approximately 3 minutes later, I was at the checkout with my calcium tablets (that I miraculously remembered) and my beloved Be Jeweled under my arm (around $35) ♥

Later research revealed my initial impression was reasonably accurate (the berry is red currant), the flowers are pink honeysuckle and pink peony, but there's also champagne (ummm...what does champagne smell like?), pink crystal-sugar and sandalwood in the formula. It's a truly beautiful scent, makes me feel happy to be alive, and thankful to The Maker that I'm not a fella. In the "kats fragrance catalogue", it's a fruity floral, perfect for Spring and Summer, but a delight I'll wear all year round. The floral notes start to blossom about 10 minutes after spritzing, but the passionfruit and currant hold the reigns by a whisker till the end. Which leads me to the only disappointment...

...just over an hour later, my schnozz can only detect the barest hint of it's jeweled splendour (sob). Why oh why would anyone construct the most stunning perfume, and then not include whatever it takes to make it linger on the skin? I can only hope that Vera follows Versace's Bright Crystal lead, and brings out an Absolu version. Meanwhile, I'm still adoring it of course, but at the rate I'm spraying, it's not going to last me through the Autumn...sigh...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: Sleek Arabian Nights Valley of Diamonds and Sultan's Garden...

I don't normally post two eye looks in a row, but it's getting close to the end of March and I'm running out of time to fill my quota of monthly EOTD's ready for the next giveaway! And besides, I thought this was an especially pretty look, so here we go...

This palette came into my loving hands last September, and being deeper shades, I put it away for the Summer, but it's time to explore all it's precious jewels all over again ♥ Base was the usual essence white kajal, and I pressed Sultan's Garden close to the top lashline. Valley of Diamonds went over the rest of the lid and underneath - this is such a gem of a shadow with tiny little sparkles dancing through it, which my camera doesn't pick up all that well, but in person, they're just like pixie dust ♥

In the crease I added Stallion - a gorgeous purpley matte, and on the waterline is bhcosmetics Waterproof Eye Crayon in the shade Huntress...

I was SO busy on this particular day I didn't get around to taking a full face and outfit shot - probably just as well because my top lip was still a bit swollen from a couple of nasty cold sores that even Compeed couldn't prevent - boo!

Gosh I love Sleek palettes - I have six now (one yet to crack open!), and you can bet I will keep adding to my collection as long as Sleek keep making them. They're fantastic value, the combos are inspired, and the pigments are brilliant ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: bhcosmetics Lime and Blue...

I'm always fascinated by the transformation of eyeshadow hues when they go from pan to eyes, and then a blending brush steps in, which is why I often include a photo of the actual palette for comparison. Of course the base has a lot to do with affecting the end result, but in this case I used essence white kajal, thinking that the colours would stay quite true to the pan...

I started with the bhcosmetics bright lime green below on the inner third, added the relatively deep blue over the rest of the lid, and then blended where they met to make a green that isn't really lime at all, it's more like apple ha ha! The blue turned out a lot more vivid than I expected too (not that I'm complaining), and combined with the green, seemed to lose most of it's purple content...

In the crease and along the lower lashline I applied the forest green MM20 - such a pretty matte, and it helped to tie in these two shades that, according to tradition, aren't supposed to go together...

On the waterline I used one of my new essence kajal acquisitions - this one's called Beach Bum. It's a beaut bright blue, but as you can see, I need to practice with it a bit to get the intensity more even for the camera. It's a shiny metallic, and I find unless I'm meticulous with the layering, shimmery kajals on the waterline tend to look blotchy on film, although in the flesh they appear fine...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: FCUK Friction...

My post about this pretty perfume is long overdue - have had it in my collection since last July, which was shortly after I read a mouth-watering review of it over at Indiana's Blogspot ♥ This fragrance is as sweet as they come - lots of vanilla, coconut and musk, making it yet another gourmand-type scent that I've fallen for. Before it became mine I'd assumed it would be a summer fragrance, and although it has a definite beachy/suntan lotion connection, I find it way too intense for hot weather, which is why I'm trotting it out now... 

My first FCUK fragrance - no idea why other than there's a gazillion perfumes in the marketplace, and a gal simply can't go sniffing them all without going into sensory overload, but I'm sure glad I tried this one. This lasts well into the afternoon on my skin - I only need a teeny spritz in the morning, and by the time I'm back home, I can still detect a hint of its creamy coconutty delights. Lots and lots of goodies in it apart from the vanilla, coconut and musk - pink honeysuckle, apple blossom, red berries, spun sugar, pink jasmine, white vetiver, blonde woods, sandalwood and amber. I reckon it's these last two powerhouses that keep it going for around 8 hours...

Most folks say it reminds them of a Pina Colada - well it's been so long since I had any kind of cocktail, so in all honesty I'll have to give that description a miss, but it sure does conjure up a tropical island paradise, and a waiter delivering a tall chilled glass with one of those little umbrellas in it lol. The bottle is simple, some would say relatively plain in the fragrance world, but stand it anywhere near a window and the faceted bottom half sparkles like diamonds. I picked this up in Chemist Warehouse for under A$20, which for 100mls is an absolute steal.

Beware though - I have a friend that develops migraines from certain foody fragrances, and this one sets her off in a matter of minutes. I'm thankful I don't suffer from such horrors because I wouldn't want to miss out on this little gem ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTM: "Your Favourite February EOTD" Giveaway...

Whoops - over half way through March, so let's get on with the giveaway ♥ Up for grabs is a NYX Dusk Til Dawn makeup set, chock full of Autumnal hues. I was going to keep this for myself because the box isn't perfect - the shop where I bought it has obviously had problems with theft, and they'd stuck sticky tape all around the tops and bottoms of the boxes, over the top of the original seals. I carefully opened it to make sure it was intact (and to take the photo), and for sure, I can guarantee it's never been breached - everything is in a pristine state, in fact the majority of the items have their own individual seal...

So here's what's inside. There's a black zippered makeup bag (as pictured on the box), Dream Catcher Palette (sealed), Powder Blush (shade Pinched, sealed), Le Frou Frou Volume and Length Mascara (black, sealed), Extra Creamy Lipstick (shade Snow White, not sealed), Butter Gloss (shade Angel Food Cake, sealed), and a Slim Eye Pencil (black, not sealed).

And because the NYX carton is a bit iffy, I'm throwing in a pack containing a Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Free Spirit Eye Shadow palette, and Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara (blackest black)...

To enter just choose which of the February EOTD's is your favourite from the eight pictured below, let me know in the comments section why you like it the most, and then follow the Rafflecopter entry instructions below ..

The Rafflecopter will decide the winner, so please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions inside (Australian residents only). Please note that leaving a comment, providing your email address inside the Rafflecopter, AND following my blog one way or another from the many choices listed are MANDATORY for entry...

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This giveaway is now closed

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Claire F. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Claire please respond to the email I've sent you by 

Friday 28th March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Claire has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

EOTD: Sleek Tree of Life Green...

Well I think you know by now I'm somewhat of a lover of green eye makeup - my irises are green, and contrary to the opinion of some beauty "experts", applying green eyeshadow on green eyes actually magnifies the colour, especially if you find one that's exactly the same shade. Well now, I reckon this Tree of Life from the Sleek Garden of Eden palette is my perfect match ♥

I've raved about this palette in numerous posts, and yep, this is another one ha ha! Tree of Life is 100% matte, and while I'll most definitely be using it "as is" throughout the cooler months, for this particular look I wanted it to have some light and shade, so I used essence kajal pencil in Feel The Mari-Time as my base. It's a fabulous tealy green with a metallic finish that gives the flat green pigment a teeny boost of shimmer and life... 

I applied the teal kajal quite thickly in the centre of my eyelids, which is why the middle section is a slightly different green than it is on either side - I often do this just so there's not a single solid colour all over the lid. On the waterline is essence kajal in Samba Green, also a metalllic, but pretty much a full-on gorgeous emerald...

And here's the whole emerald look - cheeks are the deepest shade from the bhcosmetics Iris Blush Duo (my favourite Autumn blush shade), lips are SAX Sheer Lip Colour Lipstick in shade #34 Sheer Nude, glossed over with Mirenesse Lip Lava Lip Lacquer...

And so I hereby declare this to be my ultimate and absolute favourite green - I just ADORE it, so much so it will be appearing in my EOTD posts fairly regularly, and you'll probably get tired of seeing it - but don't worry, I'll mix it up with some other hues so you don't get bored ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Katy Perry Killer Queen...

Always love discovering a new fragrance, especially at the start of another season, and while I haven't sampled any of the others in Katy Perry's range, I'm already hooked on this Killer Queen ♥. The red ombre bottle with gold sceptre cap is a stunner - reminds me of the crystal you need to insert into the stone cavity to open the temple in an Indiana Jones movie ha ha. Totally impractical of course (because it doesn't stand upright), and it might even need to be registered as a lethal weapon with that faceted crystal point, but hey it's just so fabulously decadent ("Own the Throne!")...

Sure I've had my eye on it in various stores - hadn't gotten around to trying it, but when I spotted it within centimetres of my fingertips at the cashier's counter in Chemist Warehouse, I figured fate might be guiding me towards a new passion. So I found the tester and spritzed away. Grabbed me from the start, and then I saw the price - $19.95. What? Read the sign a couple of times in case I was hallucinating, but yep, it was just under $20 for a whopping 100mls, so my instinct was spot on lol...

Most definitely a cooler weather fragrance for me, it's one of those interesting ones that clutches you in it's embrace, and then let's go. By that I mean at first I thought it was going to be an overpowering stayer that would need to be dispensed in minute doses, but the initial berry, bergamot and chocolatey burst doesn't last more than 30 seconds or so, leaving behind quite a delicate but spicy floral, and then the patchouli starts to emerge, and holds everything together for several hours. I'd classify it as a gourmand - reminds me a little of Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle (they both have praline base notes), but it's not nearly so potent and heady, and of course, only a fraction of the price...

There's quite a few flowery ingredients flirting around with the wild berries and dark plum - celosia (never heard of it), frangipani and jasmine, but my nose can't identify any of these last two. All up it's a fascinating combination of sweet and sour, with some woody fragments to give it some warmth - lasts reasonably well, and while it seems to be aimed at the younger market, I'm sure older gals will appreciate the surprising maturity that unfolds after the first powerful punch...

Of course now I'm mad keen to try the others Katy has put together - only hope I can pick them up for a similar bargain basement price ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: bhcosmetics Wild & Free Lime...

So here are the pretty olivey limes from the bhcosmetics Wild & Free Baked Eye Shadow palette - once again, fabulous pigmentation, buttery smooth texture, blatantly and breezily blendable, and lasted the whole day through without transferring or creasing ♥

They're actually quite deceptive, especially the darker one, which looks more bronzey in the pan than it turns out on the skin.. I wanted the end result to be a tad greener than either of them swatched, so I used a base of bhcosmetics Waterproof Eye Pencil in Huntress...

Used the lighter shade on the inner third and underneath the lower lashes, and blended the deeper hue over the rest of the top lid. For an experiment, I used a completely different shade of green for the waterline - this is essence kajal in the colour Samba Green. It might sound strange but for whatever reason, I hadn't gotten around to buying any of the kajals in the range other than the white (weird huh?), but picked up four new colours on the weekend, so you'll be seeing them in the coming weeks. This particular green is quite a cool one, and has a beautiful slightly metallic finish, but none of the usual clumping or stinging I've experienced with other shimmery crayons. Not sure it was quite the right choice with the lime, but you don't know till you try hey...

For the crease, I chose bhcosmetics single shade MM4 - a matte pan that came in my 6 Color Eyeshadow Pro Palette, and another one I'd completely forgotten about. Cheeks are ModelCo Amaretto Sunset (one of my fave blushes for Autumn ♥) and lips are Revlon Sandstorm, topped with Maybelline Color Elixir gloss in Caramel Infused...

Will be doing heaps more looks from this awesome collection of hues, and will give these olivey-limes a shot over a white base so you can see them a wee bit more au naturel ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: bhcosmetics Wild & Free palette...

Palette #2 in this baked shadow set, and an absolute star because there's such a variety of hues, and I'm such a massive fan of blues and greens ♥ Actually the third one in the series is called Wild Child - I bought it, but being all (what I would call) neutrals, I gave it away to a much more appreciative gal in my first ever Instagram comp last December...

So here are the colours - all absolutely gorgeous! The two greens in the middle row don't look particularly green in the palette shot, but they are in fact stunning olivey limes as you can see from the swatches - can't wait to try these out, especially paired with that fabulous copper in the middle...

The lavender and the blue are also standouts, and the white in the bottom right-hand corner actually has a touch of blue in it - deliciously icy.  Needless to say the aqua is totally droolworthy - here it is in action, on the left with a white base, on the right, a teal liner underneath...

 

Of the two palettes, I think this one is the most versatile, but I'll hold off announcing which is my fave for a few more weeks yet. Like Wild At Heart, stunning pigmentation, easy to blend, cheap as chips (they seem to be on special pretty much all the time), need I say anything more other than WOW?...

Take care of you,
kats xxx