SPOTLIGHT: 3rd Quarter 2016 Fave LOTD's, Reds...

What IS it about red lipstick that can turn your mood, and your day, around? Sure there are lots of brightly coloured lippies out there - hot pinks, fluoro oranges and even electric purples...but none of them brings the va va voom punch of a red pout hey. To think I didn't even START slicking on this hottie shade till I was in my 50's is almost beyond my comprehension, but if I can manage to cast my fears aside so late in life, well I reckon anything's possible as far as makeup is concerned. So here are some of my favourite fiery lip products - hopefully there's one here that'll tempt you to indulge, even if you haven't before ♥...

I usually save the best till last, but I'm breaking with tradition here and launching straight into my #1 pick - L'Oreal Bloody Mary, a precious gift from an equally precious pal. Have you ever seen a more rich and luscious red? Amazingly comfortable formula too, absolutely adore it ♥  The Ulta 3 Radiant was an unexpected surprise for $5.95 - in the past I've found the lip products from this brand to be either too sheer, or not  moist enough for my dry old lips, but this glossy babe is a winner - stunning pigment, non sticky and lasts well if you apply it over a matching liner...

Love this DB Cosmetics Deep Red for when I want a splash of colour that's not quite as loud as some others - there's a softness to this shade which makes it totally wearable. And the Kat Von D Adora was a gift from my darling friend Amy - it's disappointingly drying, but such a pretty shade, quite different to my other reds, and the only KVD lip product in my kit...

The Face of Australia Ruby Delight is another one that surprised me with the pigmentation quality and comfort - I simply must buy more of these lol! And the Rubi Shoes Ruby Red is one of my most frequently worn lipsticks. Sadly my local store has stopped stocking them, and I can't even find them at Cotton:On any more, so I guess they've been discontinued - boo!

And finally some deep broody wintery reds, which I've now put away till next Autumn - both beautiful shades although the formula is a wee bit drying, and let's face it, buda-pash is definitely not for the faint hearted. Whoa!  Ha ha...

Next round will be Berries & Purples followed by Oranges, and they'll be up very soon - blimey it's almost time for the last quarter faves!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SEASONAL CULL: Concealers...

Haven't talked too much about concealers in the past, nor created a different blog category in years. And given that Spring is the perfect time of year for a clean out, I'm kicking off this brand new series with a reassessment of my concealer collection. I reckon most gals will admit to hanging onto a whole lot of unnecessary clutter, and I am 100% guilty of first degree hoarding, especially when it comes to make up...

I do my best to keep similar items in the one place, but I was a trifle embarrassed when I gathered together all of the above cover-up tubes and sticks for the photo - crikey I don't even remember buying half of these! So where to begin? Well I started by putting aside the ones I'm currently using, swatched the rest to determine which ones were still viable, and then split them into "these colours don't work" and "potentials" - this meant I could toss quite a few upfront, and lessen the headache of what to keep...

Above are the ones I ditched, although I did check the coverage before they landed in the bin just in case the formula was a good one, and all I needed was a different shade. I find that yellow-based concealers work best for me, and these are all quite pinkish, so out they went, which left me with the ones below. Already a major improvement, but now for the acid test - which ones actually do what I need them to do?...

Everyone's concealer needs vary - I don't have dark circles, but I do have pigmentation that I absolutely MUST disguise, particularly around my lipline, plus I find that my foundation (any foundation!) simply doesn't stick to the centre section of my nose. Haven't been able to figure that one out yet. It's not like I touch it throughout the day - even by the time I finish my makeup, somehow or other it's gone! So I need something that will stay put to disguise my freckly flaws in this most central part of my face. I also have spider veins around my nostrils, which always show up as reddish patches in photos, so once again I need 100% coverage. I'm fortunate that I rarely get blemishes - probably once or twice a year a pimple rears its ugly head, so a concealer that's a good skin tone match and is dense enough is all that's required to deal with those pesky eruptions...

And lastly, I have huge under eye bags - I manage to disguise them in photos with the right lighting and using the camera flash, but if you saw me in real life, you'd say "oooh yeah, they're real bad!". So I also need a concealer a few shades lighter, which I then apply to the area beneath the bags that is in shadow in an effort to diminish the bulges (thanks Wayne Goss!). It really makes a difference, but takes a bit of practice because you have to be very precise, and can't blend it out or else the whole effect is lost...

In summary, here is my criteria:

• 100% coverage of dark pigmentation
• Long lasting
• No creasing around the eyes
• Exact skin tone match
• Plus a 2 or 3-shades-lighter skin tone match
• As natural as possible
• Readily available
• Reasonably priced

So here's my assessment of the 14 potentials, from left to right - I've highlighted the best... 

CROP Natural Concealer Pencil - Medium & Light (RRP $16)

Love these - excellent coverage, the pencil format makes these perfect for outlining and dotting onto spots or pigmented areas. I use the light one around my lips and the medium for touch ups on the rest of my face...

Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer - Ivory & Soft Honey (RRP $10.50)

Good coverage, tends to crease a bit in oily areas, not quite the right shades for my colouring...

Maybelline Master CONCEAL Camouflaging Concealer - Light/Medium (RRP $15.95)

My most recent discovery - this stuff is AMAZING! Perfect shade for me, barely any creasing, total coverage. No wonder this is almost always out of stock at Priceline. Only yesterday I managed to find the Light version, which is why it's not in the above photo...

Maybelline FIT Me Concealer - Light & Sand (RRP $14.95)

Very good coverage, however it does crease a little, doesn't seem to last all that long either, but it comes in a wide colour range...

Rimmel Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer - Natural Beige (RRP $13.95)

This has a brush applicator which I like, but the coverage isn't enough for my dark spots, and I find it tends to go on a bit streaky and creases after an hour or so, only 3 shades available...

SAVVY Liquid Concealer - Light (RRP $4.99)

The cheapest of the lot, and while it's a good colour match, it's too sheer for my needs...

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer - Light (RRP $38)

Holey guacemoley, this is the bomb! Yep it's $38, but I have never EVER found a concealer that doesn't crease, covers EVERYTHING, and lasts all day, but this is it. I bought Light which is very very light and too pale for anything but my eye bag diminishing trick, but I've just ordered the medium from Sephora. You will not believe the coverage! The tube has the tiniest nozzle I've come across, and at first I thought it was a manufacturing fault because it's a struggle to dispense even the smallest amount. But it's intentional - you only need (literally) a microscopic quantity. I swear if you want full coverage, no creasing and all-day longevity, then this is the concealer for you. I figure the tube will last me 3 times longer than anything else, which makes it totally affordable...

NATIO Natural Cover Concealer - Skin Tone 2 (RRP $14.95)

Sponge applicator, pretty good colour match, but seems to stay shiny even when it dries so you'll need a setting powder. Creases quite a bit, only two shades available...

Rimmel Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Effect + Radiant Glow Concealer (RRP $14.95)

I can't find the shade name on the tube anywhere, but I'm guessing it's Classic Beige (there's only three to choose from). Reasonable coverage, but not enough for me and doesn't build up evenly, contains teeny little sparkles for "illuminating" the under eye area, but I need to disguise rather than accent...

ModelsPrefer Argan Infusion Liquid Concealer - Light (RRP $9.99)

This is thicker than most of the others of its kind, covers redness very well but creases under the eyes, doesn't last more than a few hours, and there's only two shades in the range - it surprised me though, it's a lot better than some bigger brand names...

Face of Australia Lasting Finish Concealer Stick - Neutral (RRP $9.45)

Again only comes in two shades. I was using this primarily around my lips before I discovered the Crop one that I prefer. Creases when applied under the eyes, medium coverage, blends well though...

So after this major Spring clean, here are my keepers, and my HG's ♥♥♥:

You've no idea how GOOD I feel after doing this! I've reduced 24 products down to five, and freed up a whole bunch of space in my kit. I plan to repeat the process with my foundations, blushes, eye shadows, eye liners and lip products so watch this space - I admit the lippies will be my greatest challenge, but I figure if I do it gradually by shade families, it won't be quite so painful lol...

Do you do a seasonal cull of your makeup, or only your wardrobe?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking this to the always brilliant Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥...

EOTDs: Catch up time!...

Didn't get around to uploading any EOTD's last month, but I have a pretty big stash put aside, and in various colours of the rainbow. So without further ado...

Was quite chuffed with how this turned out - I normally apply the lightest shadow shade on the inner corner of my eye, but decided this time to pat down the darker blue (from the Annabelle Haute Mer quad) on both ends, with MBA Cosmetics Silk FX Babybaby in the middle and underneath. I thought it would make my eyes look smaller, but I actually love the extra definition. Waterline was Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Pencil...

For my face I used Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation, Ulta3 Pretty Plum Blush, and Face of Australia Lip Quench lipstick in Ruby Delight (added bonus of SPF30)...

My pastel blue jewellery collection is the smallest of the lot, but I'll work on it this Spring lol...

A very special friend sent me a whole stack of her Colourpop eye shadows (eternally grateful hon ♥) - this is Tink (matte charcoal) & Liberty (the most fabulous metallic silver in my kit!)...

These shadows are amazing - the pigmentation and buttery texture is almost impossible to beat, and they blend with just a few strokes of a fluffy brush. Waterline is Eye of Horus Charcoal Obsidian Goddess Pencil... 

Mirenesse Liquid Silk foundation again (trying to actually finish a foundation - who me?), cheeks were Real Purity Frosted Orchid Powder Blush, and lips were Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Lust For Blush...

Dug through my retro jewellery box and was thrilled to find the acrylic "humbug" striped ring, and some earrings and a bracelet that I made over 10 years ago - confirmed my suspicion that I should never throw anything out lol...

For this look I decided to use ONLY Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils - Emerald Tabula & Scarab Sapphire. All these pencils are beautiful on their own, but I usually don't have enough time in the morning to let them set completely, and invariably cover them up with a matching shadow so the cream doesn't transfer to my hoods...

The green is such a good match for my eye colour, and the smudger on the end is excellent for blending before they dry...

Same foundation, cheeks were Laura Geller Blush 'n' Brighten in Berry, and that stunning red lippy is Rimmel The Only 1 Lipstick in One-Of-A-Kind...

Was lucky enough to find the matching emerald crystal earrings at Lovisa for a ridiculously low price...

And this last look is from way back in June, but too spesh to neglect - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Black Forest Truffle, with a dusting of Champagne Truffle over the top...

Still in awe of how much I'm loving browns and taupes and caramels! All to do with my lighter hair colour I reckon. Eye of Horus Bronze Amulet Goddess Pencil on the waterline...

Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Foundation, Ulta3 Pretty Plum Blush, and Maybelline Colorblur Cream Matte Pencil in Plum Please...

And a massive thank you shout-out to neurotichellfem for the change-it-yourself battery tip. This watch has been languishing in a box for months, but I managed to get it working again for less than $2. I also replaced the batteries in three other watches - hon, you've just saved me a FORTUNE! ♥♥♥

Will post another four looks before the end of the month - and keep an eye out for my September giveaway. It'll be a special one as it's my 3rd year Bloggiversary!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD'S: Purple - Colourpop Dare & Sleek Poptastic...

There's an old saying - "there's more than way to skin a cat". Love it because it reminds me there's usually always another solution to a dilemma, and I needed one for my decidedly sporadic EOTD posts. So starting this month, I'll be posting two at a time, and with a colour theme. And there's no better hue to start with than...PURPLE, and there's no better purple shadow in my kit than Colourpop Dare...

This fabulous eye shadow has starred in quite a few of my looks (examples here & here), and is it any wonder? She's just plain gorgeous - a pinky purple pigment with aqua sparkles, which combine to give an overall bluish purple result. Turns out a bit different every time I play, depending on the base I use - this one was Face of Australia Budgeproof Gel Eyeliner. It has no name on the container, but it's a stunning magenta-ish purple that seems to have been discontinued (sob!). On the waterline is Eye of Horus Teal Malachite Goddess Pencil ♥

Face was Maybelline Super Stay 24H Fresh Look Longwear Foundation (love it!), on the cheeks was Savvy Cheek & Lip Colour in Satin Magenta, and lips were my fave hot pink lippie, BOE Beauty Shocking Matte Pink...

And here's the jewellery I chose to go with the outfit...

This second EOTD features the other side of the purple fence - pink purple. I used to wear this particular shade nuance most of all, but now that my hair is not so red, I'm finding the blue purples are more flattering. Interesting hey? My skin is the same colour, and yet just changing my hair has taken me from favouring warm hues to the cooler ones. Both the purple and blue shadows are from the Sleek Poptastic palette ♥...

Once again I used the FOA purple gel eyeliner as my base, and on the waterline was Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Pencil...

My foundation was Mirenesse Liquid Silk, cheeks were Real Purity Frosted Orchid Powder blush, and my lippie was MBA Cosmetics Heliotrope...

Just as well I have some pinky purple accessories hey...

I'm so looking forward to putting together my next double eye look post - haven't decided what the colour theme will be, but I've quite a variety stashed away to choose from, and you know me, it's bound to be bold ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: City Color Intense Shine Green & Blue...

Well it finally happened - I missed posting the 8th EOTD in September, gahhhh! My schedule just got the better of me, but I'm determined this was a one-off event, so here's the first of eight (!) October looks ♥

Still having a major play with my City Color Intense Shine palette - such gorgeous shimmery shadows...

My base was Face of Australia Budgeproof Eyeshadow in Poison Ivy, and just for fun I added both Chi Chi Caribbean Queen and Dream Lover Waterproof Gel Eyeliners on the waterline...

On my face is Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation, cheeks are Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick in Pink Fever, and lips are Mirenesse #4 Lip Bomb - I'd forgotten all about these beaut bombs, but was reminded recently when they won a beautyheaven Best In Beauty Award for best lip gloss. Fabulous pigmentation, sensational glassy shine, and they don't bleed ♥ Necklace and earrings by Lovisa (of course)...

Hope October is good and kind to you!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

EOTD: Sugarpill Elemental Chaos (again)...

You may have gathered we're pretty keen on PURPLE here at kats colourings - it's such a fabulously rich and comforting colour, and all the shade variations in the family have a special place in my heart. And here's an EOTD & FOTD that cements the love ♥ The main shadow I used is Sugarpill Elemental Chaos - far more purple than it appears below, but my camera does this weirdo thing with purples, and more often than not, captures them as blue. Mind you it's a phone camera, so I guess I shouldn't be complaining, but it's not entirely satisfactory when you're trying to portray makeup colours as they truly are...

Anyways, I used Face of Australia Pure Purple Budge-Proof Gel Eyeliner as my base, and then pressed the Elemental Chaos over the entire top lid. I then added the pinky purple pan from the Makeup Revolution Mermaids Vs Unicorns palette on the inner corner, which to my absolute delight, turned into a pretty orchid shade. To complete the set, Chi Chi Beauty School Drop Out Gel Liner went on the waterline - this has a magical shimmer to it which makes it appear multi-tonal in photos...

On my mug is Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation, cheeks are a base of Maybelline Master Glaze blush Stick in Make A Mauve with the nearest  I have to a purple powder blush by bhcosmetics over the top. Lips are the sensational MBA Cosmetics Paranormal, slicked with Chi Chi Chandelier Gloss in The Privileged. The purple heart Swarovski jewellery was a gift from my darling Dad, who has indulged (and therefore encouraged) my love of this colour since I was a young'un ♥

If you like purple, you're in the right place - I'll ALWAYS post something (more likely lots of) purple every month!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

EOTD: bhcosmetics Take Me To Brazil Greens...

Sneaking in another EOTD before August flies out the window - not that I mind because it's been one of the most hectic months in my working life, and I'll be glad to say farewell to a whole heap of stress and pressure, and gidday to what I hope will be a far calmer (and more blogpost-friendly) September ♥

This particular day turned out to be crazy as all get-out, and my serene green colour scheme worked overtime to keep me from losing the plot. Thank goodness for bhcosmetics and their Take Me To Brazil Palette!

I must have had an intuition about how challenging the day was going to be because I employed all my tricks to create this intensely emerald look, starting with a base of Face of Australia Budgeproof Eyeshadow in Poison Ivy - it's a luscious cream that shadows adhere to exceptionally well. Over that went a blend of the two greens above, with the matte black along the lower lashline, and in the crease. My waterline thankfully stayed well coated for most of the day with Chi Chi Black is Black Waterproof Gel Eyeliner...

On my visage was Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation, cheeks were the middle pan from the BYS Coral Me In Blush Trio, and lips were the stunning Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Smokey Quartz (this pic was taken before the you-know-what hit the fan ha ha)...

I literally fell into bed that night, but not before religiously removing all my slap - I was so tired I can't even remember doing it, but fortunately my automatic pilot was still functioning ♥ I managed to get the office chaos sorted out late in the evening, and the day wasn't a complete write-off as I came home to find a delivery of cosmetic goodies on the doorstep, which was an instant pick-me-up - sigh...what would I do without colour and makeup ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx