Bioderma Crealine H20 - Review

Bioderma is a French pharmacy skincare brand. I decided to try the Crealine H20 after seeing Lisa Eldridge talk about it in several YouTube videos on her channel. It is also used by many makeup artists as it does not irritate the skin.

Crealine H20 is a cleansing water. It is soap free, fragrance free, hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin. I find it is very effective in removing my makeup without irritating my skin. I use it to remove my eye makeup and if I am feeling lazy I use it to remove all my makeup.

I find the best way to use it is to soak some cotton pads in the Crealine H20. When removing my eye makeup I close my eyes and hold the cotton pads against my lids for approximately 30 seconds. My eye makeup just disolves and wipes away without scrubbing. I then soak some more cotton pads and then gently wipe over the rest of my face. No rinsing is required though you should pat dry your face.

I wish I had paid more attention during French in school - all the writing on the bottle is in French.

I love how gentle this is on my skin. My skin can be quite sensitive and this cleans my makeup away without irritating my skin. It also removes my eye makeup without irritating my eyes. I don't need to tug at my eyes to remove my makeup - which is great for the delicate eye area (less wrinkles and damage). Crealine H20 removes all makeup whether it long lasting eyeshadow, waterproof mascara or heavy foundation.

Bioderma has only recently become available to purchase in Australia . Their website provides the stockist details for NSW and Victoria, I believe you can also buy directly from them (check out their Facebook page). It retails for $39.95 for 250ml.

I currently purchase mine from Cosme-De for around $37.00 for 500ml with free shipping. You can also purchase 250ml bottles for around $25.00.

Bioderma Crealine H20 is a great product, that I highly recommend it for easy makeup removal. I also love how I feel a little French when using it (I have a desire to be French, they are just so chic). I think this may be a Holy Grail product for me. I know I will always make sure I have some (I have already repurchased it).

Do you use Bioderma? What do you think of it?

Have you entered my Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons GIVEAWAY yet?

Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons - Review & GIVEAWAY! [CLOSED]

I have a major love of lip products (which you probably know by now). When I saw Face of Australia tweet images of their new Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons, I had to have them. I purchased mine from Big W before they were even on display (what? it's an addiction).

The Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons are a twist up crayon shaped product (which means no sharpening). The pack includes three different colours - Cupcake, Macaron and Sundae. The pack retails for $14.95 - BARGAIN!

They are very moisturising on the lips and give a sheer, glossy colour to the lips. I was suprised by how long they last on the lips. I was expecting it to a short wear time but I was mistaken. They last quite a few hours. You loose some of the shine but the colour and moisturising feeling remain.



L-R Cupcake, Macaron & Sundae

As mentioned before the pack includes three different colours all with cute food related names.

• Cupcake - a baby pink and my favourite
• Macaron - a rosy red
• Sundae - nude brown

I love that the three colours are all completely different from each other. Each crayon contains 3.3g of product.

The Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons are available from Priceline, Kmart, Big W and any other stockist for only $14.95.

WANT TO WIN A SET? KEEP READING.

Because I love them so much I picked up a second set to giveaway to a lovely reader (that could be you). Follow the instructions below for your chance to win. :)

The Prize:

• Face of Australia - Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons set (3 x 3.3g)

How to Enter:

1. Be a public GFC follower of Luxury on the Lips
2. Leave a comment below telling me your favourite lip product

Details:

• Must be over 18 years of age or have parental permission to enter
• Open Internationally
• Giveaway will close 4th July 2012 at 9.00PM Australian time
• Winner will be choosen using Radom.org
• Total value of prize is $14.95
• The prize was purchased by me and is not sponspored by Face of Australia

EDIT: Thanks to everyone who entered. This giveaway is now closed and the winner will be annouced shortly. Stay tuned for more giveaways in the future. :)

GOOD LUCK!

Thanks for entering and being a reader of Luxury on the Lips :)

My Current Haircare Routine

From around the age of 10, I started getting blonde highlights in my hair. At first it was only four or so then ten, then half a head, then to a full head of foils every 3-4 months. I can't say I ever had any problems with my hair despite the colouring (and the stage I went through of straightening my hair everyday for around 1-2 years). My hair was long, thick and normal. Until recently that is.

In November last year I had a full head of foils done at the hairdresser. I was happy with it but over it at the same time. So when the time rolled around that I would normally go the hairdressers I didn't make an appointment. I haven't been to the hairdressers for over 6 months (eek).

Back in about April I looked at myself in the car mirror (as you do) and to my horror I noticed how dry my hair was looking and even more shock I found my scalp was dry and flaky. Argh! I knew it wasn't dandruff, just dry hair and scalp.

I believe it was caused by the shampoo and conditioner I was using, it was a supermarket brand. I have rarely used salon brand shampoo and conditioner. With my long, thick hair I go through a supermarket brand one in less than a fortnight. I always found it hard to justify expensive products.

My hair is important to me though, so I decided to cough up the money and buy some salon product. I researched first and decided to purchase the Moroccanoil Moisture Repair shampoo and conditioner. It seemed to fit my requirements and I love the Moroccanoil Oil Treatment that I have been using since March.

The shampoo and conditioner come in 250ml bottles that retail for around $29.00. I actually found it lasted me about 8 weeks. The shampoo and conditioner is also sulphate and paraben free.

Firstly they smell amazing, exactly like the oil. I find the scent stays on my hair until I wash it again. Both shampoo and conditioner are thick but not too thick. I find for my hair I only need around a 50 cent piece size of product. The shampoo foams up nicely but still rinses out easily. I apply the conditioner to my hair after wringing out excess moisture and leave it on for 2-3 mins. It washes out easily too, leaving my hair feeling soft and moisturized.

Whilst my hair is still damp I apply a pump of the oil through the bottom half. It makes my hair shiny and even smoother. The oil can seem a little pricey but it lasts for ages. My small 25ml bottle lasted around three months. A 100ml bottle costs around $50.00.

My hair is now in much better condition, it feels and looks much healthier. It has bounce to it, is not frizzy or dry and weak. My scalp is much better however I still have one patch of flaky skin. My hair is easier to brush after washing and smoother. I have also found that I only need to wash my hair every three days instead of every two.

Honestly I am the happiest I have ever been with my hair. It always looks soft and natural and I just love it. I am so glad I changed my hair care routine. I am considering adding in the Morrocanoil Dry Scalp Treatment and a mask to use regularly. 

What is your haircare routine? Any good mask suggestions?

Illamasqua Haul

Recently I had been eyeing off some Illamasqua products from ASOS. When I found a 20% off code, I couldn't resist and had to whip out the debit card. I did limit myself to only two blushes and a lipstick.

Before this purchase I had only two items from Illamasqua in my collection. A powder shimmer blush in Ambition and a pale pink lipstick in Liv.

The first blush I added to my cart was Lover. I have had my eyes on it for ages but just haven't purchased it for some reason. It is a matte, peachy-apricot. I have a major thing for peach and coral colours at the moment so I just had to finally buy it.

The second blush I purchased is Naked Rose from the Naked Strangers collection. It is a matte, neutral pink though it appears more mauve like in the photo above. I purchased Naked Rose because I actually have nothing like this in my collection. My blushes are either pink, peach or coral and pretty much all have shimmer. I feel Naked Rose is unique for my collection and I think it will be very wearable.

Lover is swatched on the left and Naked Rose on the right. Both are heavy swatches and the photo has been taken with flash.

I am so in love with the texture of these blushes. They are so silky soft and smooth. They are both also highly pigmented but still blend so easily.

If you a regular reader of my blog you will now by now about my love of pink lipsticks (the brighter the better). So when I saw Eurydice, I had to have it. I didn't want it, I needed it.

Eurydice is from the Human Fundamentalism collection and exclusive to ASOS.

Eurydice is a matte, bright pink. The above photo is taken with flash. This lipstick is actually quite firm, which I think is because it is matte. It is a really beautiful colour on the lips though.

I am really happy with my purchases and am planning my next Illamasqua haul. I am thinking the Skin Base foundation, eye shadows, nail polishes and more blushes! The products seem to be of a high quality and really beautiful shades at a reasonable price.

Have you tried Illamasqua products? What are your favourites?

Lust Have It - June 2012

My June Lust Have It pack arrived today. I had been eagerly awaiting its arrival. Lust Have It no longer send their boxes by AusPost eParcel, therefore there is no dispatch email or tracking available. For me this is not a problem, someone is home most days. I understand it is a little bit of a concern for some people though.

I received the 'Fun and Flirty June Lust Haves' pack. I am unsure if there is more than one pack this month. The coloured cosmetics bag, again held the packs items this month. I love the purple. I am a bit of a purple fiend. :)

 My June Lust Have It pack contains:

• LonVitalite 24K Active Golden Yulan Oil Facial Mask - 1 mask - RRP $59.00 5 masks
• LonVitalite 24K Active Gold Full Eye Mask - 1 pair - RRP $45.00 5 pairs
• Bastise Blush Dry Shampoo - 50ml sample - RRP $9.95 150ml
• Bloom Glitter Eyeliner in Lucky Star - full size - RRP $14.95
• Marc Jacobs Fragrance
• Daisy - 1.2ml sample - RRP $90.00 50ml
• Daisy Eau So Fresh - 1.2ml sample - RRP $115.00 75ml

Honestly, I am a little underwhelmed by this months pack. There isn't really anything included that I look at and think "Wow! I can't wait to try that". I already own both of the Marc Jacobs fragrances. So yes the samples are great for taking in my handbag, but they aren't anything new.

I have used the Batiste Dry Shampoo before (it was included in a BellaBox previously) and I don't really think there is any beauty lover out there that has never tried it before. The Bloom eyeliner is cute and it's great that it's full sized but, I am not sure I will ever use it.

The masks are good. Who doesn't love relaxing with a mask? The only worry is that I have somewhat sensitive skin and the card makes me think, they are not so good for sensitive skin. It tells you to run them under warm water before opening to balance out the tingling sensation. So, I am not sure if I am game enough to use them.

This months pack, has good variety - skincare, perfume, hair care and makeup. But for me it is a little boring. There is still good value. Maybe I am just suffering from subscription box fatigue?

Are you subscribed to Lust Have It? Did you receive the same pack? Different pack? What did you think?



My Nails are Wearing... Chanel

I purchased this nail polish back during my Birthday Trip in May. I was instantly attracted to the pretty summer coral colour, especially during the chilly weather at the time.

Three coats were needed to achieve full colour. I really love the soft sparkle in this polish. It makes the cold, winter weather seem not so dreary.

This nail polish is AU$39 from Chanel counters and stores.

What are you wearing on your nails at the moment?

My Real Techniques Brush Collection - Review

Back in March I purchased some Real Techniques brushes (blogged about here). I have loved using these books so much that a couple of weeks ago I ordered some more. This time from iHerb, though there are stockists in the UK that deliver to Australian and some Australian suppliers that will do phone orders.

Real Techniques brushes are designed by Samantha Chapman, a professional makeup artist that posts videos on YouTube under the name Pixiwoo with her sister Nicola. I first found out about the brushes by watching Sam and Nic use them in their tutorials.

Real Techniques brushes are made from with synthetic bristles (meaning cruelty free) with metal handles. The brushes also include their name/use on the handle, which is great for makeup novices. The handles are also colour coded; yellow for 'your base/flawless', purple for 'your eyes/enhanced' and pink for 'your finish/perfected'.

Your Base

Core Collection:

The Core Collection contains four brushes for the face, it also comes with a storage/travel case.

Left to Right:

• Buffing Brush
• This brush is great for working foundation into the skin for a flawless finish and to apply mineral powder foundation.
• Contour Brush
• I like to use this brush for blush application. If I actually contoured my face, I think it would be great for it.
• Pointed Foundation Brush
• I find this brush is too small to apply foundation all over the face, however it is great for apply cream product to the cheeks.
• Detailer Brush
• This brush can be used as a concealer brush or a lip brush. I like to use it as a lip brush as the shape allows for a precise application.

Powder Brush:

This brush is so soft! It feels so nice on the face. I like to use this brush to apply powder and to apply a light dusting of bronzer.

Expert Face Brush:

This brush is excellent for applying liquid foundation. The shape allows for precise application and the fluffiness allows for the foundation to be buffed into the skin. I find this brush give a really flawless, natural finish.

Your Eyes

Starter Set:

The Starter Set contains five brushes for the eyes. It also comes with a storage/travel case.

Left to Right:

• Base Shadow Brush
• This brush is good for picking up shadows and packing them onto the lid as well as a light application of colour.
• Deluxe Crease Brush
• This is great as a crease brush to blend colours together. I also like to use it to apply my creamy concealer under the eyes.
• Accent Brush
• This brush is good for applying colour below the bottom last line. I also use it to apply a powder eyeshadow as a liner.
• Brow Brush
• I don't do much to my eyebrows so I don't use this to apply powder. I do however find it good to comb my brows.
• Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush
•  This is probably my least favourite brush. Mainly because I find it hard to use. It is longer than I am used to, but I am getting better with it.

Your Finish

Blush Brush:

At first I thought this brush was far too big, I have found it really good though. Its tappered shape allows product to be picked up on the tip and the rest of the brush blends the colour in. This can also be used for a soft dusting of bronzer.

Stippling Brush:

This is the most dense and short stippling brush I have ever used. It can be used to apply foundation, though I haven't tried it yet. I like to use this to apply blush, whether it is cream or powder. I find using it with a highly pigmented powder blush allows a much subtler application.

Setting Brush:

This brush is the perfect size to apply powder under the eyes and around the nose. The tappered shape allows for a precise application when you don't want to powder your whole face.

I am so pleased I found the Real Techniques brushes. They make applying my make up so much easier and the finish is excellent. I also find these brushes to be very affordable. They are excellent quality. Also because the bristles are synthetic they are super easy to clean and to look after. I also love the coloured handles.

I haven't included prices as the different stockists have different prices and currency conversion changes the price again. Though I can say most work out to be under $20.00 each.

Have you tried any of these brushes? Do you want to? 

BellaBox - June 2012

The June BellaBox arrived today, which is faster than normal as I only received my tracking number yesterday (cheers to AusPost). The June box has a theme of 'Winter Escape' bringing you items to help you escape the winter chill. Love this idea as it is so cold at the moment. I am pretty happy with the products included this month, some I am really excited about. :) This month there were three full size products included, which means great value for money.

June BellaBox contains:

• Benefit Porefessional Pro Balm - 7.5ml sample - full size $58.00 22ml
• Pure Fiji Body Butter 'Passionflower Infusion' - 15ml sample - full size $29.95 235ml
• Kiss Nail Dress in Peplum - full size $13.99
• Facial Fresh Cloth Facial Treatment Mask in Tea Tree - full size $8.95 35ml
• Nak Diamond Hair Polish - full size $22.95 100ml
• Fan Di Fendi EDP - sample sachet - full size $65 30ml
• Olea Olive Leaf Drops - 4 drops - full size $6.00 12 drops

I am really excited about the Kiss Nail Dress. I have looked at these quite a few times at Priceline but just haven't bothered to pick some up. The design I got is gorgeous. It is a black background with multi coloured 'jewels'.  The Pure Fiji Body Butter smells divine and I have loved the other products from them I have tried.

I love Benefit Porefessional so this sample will be used, though I think my Mum wants it. She loves the Porefessional. The Facial Fresh mask is interesting and I will give it a go when I feel like relaxing. The full size Nak product is great value. I have never tried anything from this brand before. The product is meant to help smooth, moisturise and de-frizz hair. Sounds good for winter ravaged hair. :)

The Fendi perfume sample is in a sachet so I don't know what it smells like but I will open it one day. The one thing I am unsure of is the Olive Leaf Drops. I have never tried these before. They contain Manuka honey and are said to be good for the immune and cardiovascular system whilst giving an antioxidant. It is suggested to use when you feel a cold coming on, so next time I do I will pop one in my mouth and see if they work.

All up another great value box from BellaBox and it arrived nice and early in the month.

What was in your BellaBox this month?

Grace Kelly: Style Icon & Some Shopping...

Yesterday, my Nan, Mum and myself headed to Bendigo to see the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibit at the Bendigo Art Gallery. It was absolutely amazing. So many gorgeous designer dressers and accessories.

There was a replica of her wedding dress, as the original is too fragile to travel. That dress was stunning. I can see where Kate Middleton got her inspiration. I would love to get married in a dress like it, so beautiful and elegant.

Of course, I had to get a souvenir to take home. I picked up a book on Grace Kelly about her becoming a royal. It is full of gorgeous photos and a detailed description of her wedding gown.

I fully recommend heading to Bendigo to see this exhibit if you can get there. It closes on the 17th June and many sessions are fully booked. When I was there it was absolutely packed with people. I got hit by so many handbags and almost with an umbrella it was that busy. It was well worth it though.

Whilst in Bendigo, I had to do some shopping - duh! Firstly I headed to Target because I wanted to pick up some items from the Essence Cosmetics range. The ladies on the BeautyHeaven forums have been raving about their products. Target was reasonably well stocked this time (last time it was shocking).

I picked up a primer, nail art kit, lip gloss, lipstick, nail drying drops, concealer palette, cream eyeshadow and a marble blush. I am pretty excited to try these out. They are so affordable, all these products cost under $40. I will definitely review them at a later date.

At Big W, I picked up the Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons. I was so desperate to get this, they weren't even properly on display but I grabbed them :). I am looking forward to comparing these to the Clinique Chubby Sticks.

At Chemist Warehouse, I got one of the new Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect nail polishes in 08 Sorbet. I also picked up two Rimmel lipsticks in pick shades, one from the Kate Moss collection and one from the normal collection.

At a discount cosmetics stand in the shopping centre I picked up some cheap nail polishes. I chose a Nabi Magnetic Nail Polish in Black (so excited to try this) it was around $8.00 - much cheaper than others I have seen. I picked up a glitter OPI named Mad As A Hatter (I assume from the Alice in Wonderland collection). It is a really pretty purple glitter, it was about $14.00. I also got two Revlon Top Speed nail polishes that were only $5.00 each. The purple is called Modern Grace (I just had to get this because of the exhibit) and the coral is Mock Snob.

A shopping trip is not complete with out a visit to Myer. Bendigo Myer was still running the Lancome GWP. As I hadn't had a a chance to pick it up yet, I couldn't resist. I picked up two of the Rouge in Love lipsticks to qualify for the GWP. I chose the shades 340B Rose Boudoir and 322M Corail in Love. Whilst there I also picked up a sample of the new Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid foundation.

So there is a summary of my trip and my shopping. As I said before, if you can get to the exhibit I suggest you do. It was amazing and so beautiful. I can definitely see why Grace Kelly is considered a style icon.

Have you visited the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibit? Have you tried any of the products I purchased?

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipsticks - Review

There is just something about Chanel products, I haven't yet tried one that I haven't loved. The Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks are no exception. They have a great moisturising formula that provide a sheer colour to the lips. I love colour on my lips but sometimes a normal lipstick is to high maintenance so that when I reach for these. I currently own four of them, though I have my eyes on one the shades being released in the Summer collection.

Shades left to right:

• 52 Fetiche - This is not a shade I would have purchased when looking at it in the tube. When I had my make up done for my birthday (blogged about here) this was the shade used and I loved how it looked on. On my lips it looks like my lips but better with a nice shine.
• 55 Romance - A rose pink shade and my first Rouge Coco Shine (and my first ever Chanel product).
• 56 Chance - A bubblegum pink that is quite sheer on the lips.
• 69 Flirt - I think this is my favourite shade. It was released as part of the Spring collection. It is a really pretty coral pink that really brightens up the face.

The Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks are swatched below in the same order. Photo was taken with flash. You can see the shine that these lipsticks have.

Because of the creamy, moisturising formula they do not last long on the lips. Though I don't mind whipping out the pretty lipstick to apply again and no mirror is needed. They also have a rose scent that can be strong to some but I actually like it.

They are quite expensive at $50.00 each for essentially a tinted lip balm. To be honest they're are other cheaper options available such as Revlon Lip Butters, Loreal Nutri-Riche Shine lipsticks or even Clinique Chubby Sticks. However I like the luxury on the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines and do not regret spending the money on them.

Do you like the Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks?

May Au Revoirs

What a pitiful excuse for empties this month! Only two products, obviously I have too many products to use to be able to use them up.

In May I used up:

• Benefit That Gal Primer - I like this primer, it seemed to brighten my complexion and keep it hydrated through the day. It also smells really nice and applies nicely. Only thing is it seems to run out quite quickly. I will probably repurchase in the future (though at the moment I am planning on trying the Laura Mercier Primer).
• Artiste Brush Cleaner - I use this on my brushes daily in between uses as I only deep clean every second week or so. It cleans the brushes well but smells quite strongly. I have already repurchased it.

Hopefully I will have more empty products for June and more blog posts. As I said in my last post I was such a bad blogger last month. Forgive me?

Did you manage to empty more products in May then I did? What did you finish up?