REVIEW: Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation...

My foundation collection is quite extensive, around 20 at last count, and that's after a cull of the ones that were past their use by date, or didn't seem to work for my skin, no matter what application technique or base I tried. Although most have a yellow undertone, the shades vary, as do the levels of coverage - some are long-wear, most have a matte or slightly dewy finish, and the prices range from $5 to $65. Why do I have so many? Because I haven't truly found one that I absolutely adore, and stuck with it. There's usually been a catch at some stage e.g. prohibitive long-term price, limited availability, poor performance when combined with my SPF etc. Sure I've gone through phases where I wear one from my kit more than any other, but eventually I move on, and keep searching for The One. My most recent discovery is Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation, and I think this may be "it" ♥...

Admittedly I bought it on special (which is how foundations normally arrive in my kit), but given that it's by Maybelline (my favourite in the drugstore category), and various stores often have this brand on sale, I figure it's unlikely I'm going to have an issue with having to pay full price (RRP $26.95), or not being able to find "my" shade...

What gives this one the edge over all the others? Oddly enough I don't think I've quite worked that out yet - all I know is that the shade Sand becomes almost invisible on my skin, and yet it makes my complexion look the best it ever has. Being medium coverage, it doesn't completely hide my freckles, but rather softens their intensity so that they appear more blended in with the rest of the my skin. It also does a terrific job of counteracting the redness around my nose. In short it looks like I'm wearing very little foundation, and yet I have all the benefits of disguising a whole bunch of my flaws. Below are some unretouched before and after pics..

Left is bare moisturised skin, right is colourless primer underneath one layer of the foundation, and NO concealer - just some translucent setting powder to matte down the dewy finish. You can see below how well it has covered the broken capillaries around my nose and the dark freckles circling my mouth, and that's without any additional application on these troublespots. Another win is that my face ends up the same colour as my neck - yay!..

The presentation is practical as well as beautiful. The compact is lightweight and super convenient - with a mirror inside the lid, touch ups are easy peasy. I'm still recovering from a virus, which means that I'm still blowing my nose 100 times in a day, which means I'm reapplying my foundation over and over again around my nose and mouth. And with this formula, there is no line of demarcation, no buildup, no patchy bits to blend - I just pop open the lid and pat the liquid onto the areas that need it...

Peeling back the leaflet on the base reveals the ingredients, and some instructions. I haven't as yet used the sponge that's inside the compact. but it's there if I need it - I normally apply my makeup with a dome brush, and this usual technique seems to work just fine...

Another bonus is the SPF40 content. I don't know that I trust a foundation to give me the sun protection I need, but every bit helps. For the purposes of showing you just how well it blends into my skin, I didn't apply it over my usual IT Cosmetics CC Cream for this post, but the combination of the two gives me darn near complete coverage, and the ultimate in protection ♥...

Absolutely in love with this foundation - there's less content than in a standard pump bottle, so it will be interesting to see how long it lasts. But whatever the time frame, I don't give a hoot as the convenience and brilliant results far outweigh any product quantity deficit ♥...

Massive thanks to Beth from Almost Posh and Rachel from Rachel Beauty Style whose honest and detailed reviews convinced me to try this ♥...

Have you tried Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation yet?

Take care of  you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - quite a gathering of brilliant blog articles, so come on over after 6:30am ♥... 

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Not going to fall into the same trap I did last month, so without further ado, here is almost everything I finished in March, excluding some items that I've covered before of course. Did exceptionally well I reckon, especially as there is one product here that I've been using for over 3 years - OMG I was beginning to think I'd never get to the end of it!...

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400ml, RRP $7.99)

Oh wow, a 400ml bottle of Body Lotion - now that's a challenge for me to finish. This came in my Blogstar prize box back in January 2014, and I've only just squirted the last drop! As you may have gathered I'm not a big user of body lotions - I tend to only apply them after showering when I'm not in a hurry to get dressed and racing out the door shortly thereafter, and that pretty much only happens on Sundays.  This was nice enough, contains none of the major nasties, but I found it took a while to absorb, and after all these years I'm bored with the fragrance....

Repurchase?

Noooo - I prefer my super-fast-to-sink-in BotanicES, plus I have the fabulous Lush Dream Cream on my bench, and Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream in the cupboard...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)

Beautyheaven sent me this to trial last Christmas, and it wowed me, especially as I only used it at night, and ditched my usual serum during the trial. They sent me more L'Oreal products to trial almost straight after this one, so I had to stop using it, and have only just finished it now. I really think this firmed my facial contours a little, softened even my deep lines, and made my whole face look fresher. The plan is to use another bottle non-stop, and then post a proper review here. For now my advice is if you're over 40 and ever see this on special, buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Heck yeah already have, just finishing off the remains of another two creams, and then this might just be a staple ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturiser (50ml, RRP $34.95)

This came in the August 2016 Marie Claire Ageless Parcel and I love it - there's no SPF, but no drama as I'm using a BB cream that has 50+ as my primer. This is such a lovely cream - a waxy mousse consistency, lightweight yet enriching, smells lovely, absorbs instantly, and the big bonus is that it has a matte finish, which is how it kinda works to blur the wrinkles ♥...

Repurchase?

Would definitely buy this again, just haven't as yet as I have three others I need to finish first ♥...

Nivea 3 In 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - Sensitive (200ml, RRP $9.99)

Full review of it HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series - not my favourite, and I did find it a little drying...

Repurchase?

No - there are others out there that have the edge in effectiveness, comfort and value...

Manicare Artiste Professional Kabuki Brush (RRP $?)

I've been using this for just over 18 months to apply my bronzer, and it's just started shedding. Not one hair now and then, but several every time I use it, and they stick to my makeup grrrrr. Odd as it's excellent quality, and I only wash my brushes in water twice a year.  My previous one was an el cheapo, and it never shed - go figure?  I won this in a prize, and it doesn't seem to be available any more so I don't know the price, but there's a retractable version listed for $25.95...

Repurchase?

I won't let this experience put me off buying other Artiste brushes (I have several that haven't given me any grief), but I replaced this particular one with a little baby by Nude by Nature ...

Dove Triple Moisturising & Aqua Moisture Nourishing Body Washes (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Recently reviewed both of these HERE - LOVE! ♥

Repurchase?

Affirmative - one's in the shower stall, the other's in the wings, waiting for a space ♥...

Alpha Keri Anti-Cellulite Sugar Body Scrub (225g, RRP $14.95)

My very first sugar body scrub, and I loved using it. To test the anti-cellulite properties, I only scrubbed my left bum cheek and thigh. At the end of the jar there was not much difference between the two (although my right side is still jealous of all the attention ha ha), but it did seen to improve the general appearance of the orange peel texture, and it sure got rid of any flaky bits ♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon I will - I started another one during March, and while there's been no further dimple reduction, I do enjoy it because it softens my skin beautifully, and being colourless, hey, the shower stays clean ♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Glow Re-activating Essence (125ml, RRP $39.95)

Did a rave review of it in January HERE - this is the original bottle I received for the trial, so it's lasted 6 months with every day use. Amazing value ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, already sitting on the bench waiting for me to finish off four (four!) other serums I'm testing out ♥...

Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser - Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) (190ml, RRP $39.95)

Raved about this HERE - I've bought quite a few of these because I adore the scent combo ♥...

Repurchase?

Sob... This fragrance has been discontinued and I'm shattered. I've bought the Alpine Loft one which is lovely, but it's hardly a substitute...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

Totally in love with this mask. It's in two pieces, and the shape of it actually fits my face, and even covers my nose - yay! It's not messy like the others as most of the serum is impregnated in the plasticcy material. Of all the face masks I've tried so far, this is my #1 - my skin looks SO good afterwards. It costs a little more than the others but it's worth it - actually I wish they made it in a complete body suit lol ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - I've already bought three more ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

I went through two of these sachets, which means I applied 6 pairs during the month - need I say more? ♥...

Repurchase?

Ha ha silly question...♥

Kmart Nourishing Shea Butter Hand Sheet Mask (10ml, RRP $3)

This was pretty good considering the price - nicely hydrating, smells like coconut, and the gloves aren't too big. As I said about the Skin Republic ones, what I'm looking for is something super enriching, and these don't quite make the cut...

Repurchase?

Maybe, but I'm still looking for other brands to try ♥...

LonVitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask (5 pack, RRP $39)

I really enjoyed this mask again (first review was December's Empties post) - very cooling and calming, and used it in combination with the 24K Active Gold Eye Mask listed below. Wrapped myself up like a mummy (see piccie below), and took a half hour break to let these babies do their thing. My skin looked and felt fabulous afterwards, all redness gone, pores slightly more refined, just wish it had a nose piece as that's where I need lots of help ♥...

Repurchase?

Possibly - I have a stockpile of Skin Republic ones (about 12) so I'll use them up first to see if any of them are more effective...

LonVitalite 24K Active Gold Eye Mask (6 pairs, RRP $32)

I forget where I got this single sample from, but I've had it for a while - definitely saw an improvement in the eye area, firmer and fresher. The latest ones are gold in colour ...

Repurchase?

Yes - they only work out to be $2 each more than the Skin Republic ones, and I'm keen to compare the results between the two brands ♥...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 pairs, RRP $52)

Used two more of these - getting the hang of their odd shape now, but they're still the messiest eye masks I've come across. I'm persisting though as the results are a smidgin better than the Skin Republic ones ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - I still have four more sachets left in the box, and the fact that I literally get covered in the serum trying to remove all the backing sheets puts me off ...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you'll always find lots of interesting articles to read, come say hello ♥... 

REVIEW: Dolce & Gabbana Floral Drops EDT...

This Dolce & Gabbana perfume is one I've been longing to add to my collection for a while now - I was actually intending to buy the Dolce EDP, but selected the wrong product when I ordered online from Priceline during one of their sales, and ended up with this ever so pretty Floral Drops EDT variation. While disappointed to not get my hands on the more potent EDP, there was no way I was going to send it back lol! Besides this is perfect for Spring and Summer days in the office - fresh, crisp, delicate, and in no way intrusive ♥...

It's classified as a Fresh Floral, but to me it's opening notes have an Aquatic characteristic that almost conjures up the beach rather than a flower garden. The initial spray is quite green with an apple edge, but it's actually neroli leaves and papaya flower. After a few minutes, the white flowers at it's heart start to bloom - the main one is South African amaryllis, and this magnificent "lily" is supported by water lily & daffodil. Such a pretty and feminine scent, and despite a base of cashmere, sandalwood and musk, this is one perfume you could comfortably wear in close proximity to others as it stays quite close to the skin. I can still catch little wafts around me after two hours, and it's detectable on my wrist for at least another two...

The bottle is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen - palest frosted green glass with a creamy carved floral cap, and a black ribbon around the neck. This is not one to carry around in your purse though - the glass base is solid and thick, making the whole thing quite heavy. But the bottle is easy to grasp for decanting, and I actually love the comfort and luxury of its weight - no fear of it ever toppling over, and I think it would take a sledge hammer to make a dent in it lol ♥...

The RRP of this 75ml bottle is $133, but I paid half that on special. Now that I've done this review, I'll be putting this treasure away probably till September when I'll be even more appreciative of it's freshness and the lift it gives to my heart ♥♥♥ Although it's most certainly wearable all year round, it smells exactly like a dew-laced Spring morning, and I've already trotted out my warming amber orientals to get me through the cold months...

Have you tried either Dolce or Dolce Floral Drops?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: March Good Green Box...

Oh yay - had a lovely surprise last week when the March edition of the Good Green Box arrived in the post for me to sample, thanks to Bloggers United AU. I'd read reviews by other bloggers in the past, but hadn't gotten around to investigating it any further - silly me! Anyways I'm really impressed with the value ($65 worth for an outlay of $25) and it's such a cute and compact presentation of a variety of products with a focus on natural and vegan formulas - I can tell it's been put together with a lot of care. And I do enjoy the fact that if I fall in love with any of these goodies, quite a few of them are purchasable from the website shop. So...on with the contents...

The box is expertly packed with seven products, and there's a card with all the details. What's not pictured on the insert is the glue for the false eyelashes, but more on that later...

I'm starting with the Bondi Wash Body Wash because you know how I love body washes ♥ This one is scented with Tasmanian Pepper and Lavender - oh yum! I haven't opened it yet as I'm riddled with a virus at the mo' and can't smell much at all, so saving this for a few days time when I can truly enjoy the fragrant experience. Also lists bergamot and cedarwood oils in the ingredients, plus it's anti-bacterial - absolutely busting to try it! ♥...

Next is an interesting one - a wipe infused with magnesium that you use for pain relief.  The formula is oil-based, and the recommendation is to wipe along the lower back or across sore muscles for instant results. Wow I almost wish I had something painful in my bod right now so I could try this out - definitely putting it in the medicine drawer for when I or anyone in the family have an injury ♥...

Well we all know how good Wotnot wipes are, and these are specifically for the face, and for normal/sensitive skin. Ingredients include organic aloe vera, rosehip & sweet almond oils, and the blurb says they will even remove waterproof mascara. I used one last night to cleanse my face after a day in bed - not much grime to remove, but it was a good test as my nose is red raw from tissue chafing, and yet there was no stinging sensation whatsoever. My skin felt soft and lightly moisturised afterwards - definitely getting myself a big pack of these and will report on the makeup removal effectiveness, probably in my April Empties post ♥...

For those of you with particular sensitivities, the reverse of the product listing card spells out the main ingredients of each of the items - now that's helpful ♥...

Next up is the MIOD Balancing Face Oil. Very happy to see a plastic seal around the top of the dropper, and what little I can smell of this is delicious. Started this last night as it's for all skin types, but especially for oily skinned gals and anyone dealing with pore congestion. That's me to a T - just about every time I try a new moisturising range, my pores react by getting all clogged up, so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to put this to the test...

Ahh yes, natural deodorants. What a challenge it is for companies to come up with a deodorant that's effective, but doesn't contain the usual array of harmful-to-good-health chemicals. I've tried this Earth Mumma Pit Paste once so far (love the name lol), and with reasonable success - a wee bit of wetness, but definitely no stinkies.  It's a paste made from all natural ingredients that you rub into your armpits like a moisturiser - recommendation is to use a pea sized amount, and its stain free. Even with my blocked nose, I can smell the delicious lemongrass oil. Haven't been game to wear it on a work day yet, but I'll test it out again over Easter ♥...

And lastly, the product I'm most excited about  - Sarah Jean False Lashes, and an adhesive that comes in a mascara style applicator. I'm hoping this will be a turning point for me as I've struggled in the past to get the glue part right. Also the lashes look so lovely and fine - last time I tried falsies they were a lot bolder than this, and despite giving myself a pat on the back for getting them stuck on reasonably well, the reaction from the fam was "what's wrong with your eyes?". Sigh... The glue is clear, water soluble, latex free, anti-allergenic, and made in Korea. Will give these a go shortly, so watch my Instagram page for an extra special EOTD piccie ♥...

Overall I think this is an inspiring variety of products, and excellent value. You can subscribe to the Good Green Box - there are three options, and a healthy discount if you sign up for 6 months. Also there's a current promo to receive the first box for $10 using the code TRYGOODGREENBOX10. Now that's an amazing deal - imagine receiving all of the above for a tenner?

Thank you again Bloggers United AU and Good Green Box for sending me this box to sample and review - I'm so looking forward to whatever surprises are in the April edition ♥...

What do you think of  the Good Green Box - is it something you'd be interested in?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Happy Easter Lovelies!