Haul 2 - Essie Nail Polish

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Yesterday I went on bit of a shopping spree, as Essie has been discontinued in the store I shop at. It wasn't intentional BUT the Essie that they did have in stock were all on clearance for half the price. I couldn't help but pick up a heap for the price! I love Essie nail polish and I really need to find an alternative way to get my Essie fix. If anyone has any suggestions as to where to buy them in Australia, let me know below!

These Essie nail polishes were a great find! I do however have Rose Bowl (I picked this up by mistake). Rose Bowl is a similar colour to the Revlon Jelly nail polish. I thing from memory one is slightly darker than the other in the exact colour.

Anyway, I can't wait to try these out and let you know, but for now I will be in hiatus for the next few weeks due to my university study commitments.

I hope these reviews and posts can be helpful! If you have any suggestions about how to use these polishes, I would love to hear from you!

Until next time,

Harublossom88

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Pink Glitter Nails (DS Bold/Pansy)

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As most of my friends know, I am a bit of a nail polish fiend. I honestly LOVE nail polish! I love the colours and the textures and how I can look down at my nails to brighten up my day (wow that was a tad lame >.>).

Anyway, I love changing up my nail colour once a week (mainly due to my need to have freshly painted coloured nails without the chips and looking worn out). It is also a time when I can have a time out and chill in my super busy day.

This nail combination is what I am wearing right now. I love the colour and how much is SPARKLES! Anything to do with glitter I AM THERE! 

So... this is really just a reference point for me about what I could possibly paint on my nails again (in future) pretty much. 

So I have used my two favourite brands in the whole world - Essie and OPI. These photos are under artificial light so I can't explain or show you how truly beautiful they are when they shine.

What I am wearing:

Essie - Pansy (2 coats)

OPI (Designer Series) - DS Bold (2 coats)

My thoughts on the colours:

Essie - Pansy

I really like the opacity of this polish. Although I used 2 coats, you could probably get away with only one for this nail colour. I love the how smooth and easy it was to glide on, as well as how even it went on. Even after 2 coats, the colour did not lift (which I love). Definitely worth purchasing if you like a slightly darker bubblegum pink. 

OPI - DS Bold

I actually bought this earlier in the year but never really had the urge to try it on by itself. The reason for that was because I had to swatch it quite a few times to have a great colour. I do however love this as a glitter topcoat. There is a slight pink to the glitter polish, so it is best suited with a warmer colour in the pink or red category. I do love the shine to this polish and I feel like the colour suited my skin tone really well (my skin tone has a light yellow undertone). 

Also the glitter is reasonably easy to apply, although I would use at least 2 coats to get the full glitter coverage or appeal. Finally, I loved the size of the glitter. I am personally not a fan of the chunky glitter or the hideous crackle texture nail polish!

Overall I loved this and will see how long it lasts! Usually I don't put a top coat on unless I am doing nail art or if the polish needs another boost to shine. OPI glitter polishes tend to be a bit more wearing anyway.

This combination makes me think of the summer, watermelons and strawberries!

Until next time,

Harublossom88




DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Bioglo - Skin Gel Exfoliating & Refining for Face & Body Review

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Bioglo us a product manufactured by a company called Cosway. The products in this store are cheap and affordable for their pricepoint and quality. I have used various things over the years by this company and there have been two stand out items (one which is no longer made!)

The one that you still can get is called the Skin Gel Exfoliating and Refining for face & body. I have used this for years as my weekly deep scrub. This formulation is a white/clear gel with little white microbeads in the gel. I have my wonderful aunts to thank for telling me to use this in my skincare routine!

What I love about this product:

• Use it before, during or after your shower ( I prefer before to get all the extra dirt off)
• Simple to use - just dispense a bit of product, put on your face and rub in circular motions until little white bits appear (excess dirt and dead skin)
• User friendly container
• Great for travelling
• No distinctive scent
• Provides a deeper scrub or clean without damaging your skin
• Suitable for all skin types (from my knowledge)
• and the price is GREAT! (about $9.90 AUD, but I purchase it cheaper when I go back to Malaysia. PLUS you can get it cheaper when they are on promotion or with a membership)

What I dislike about this product:

• It is not so much a dislike but a warning NOT to use this if you have broken, sore, irritated skin (like an abrasion or sunburn- just wait until the sunburn calms down)
• Can get a bit messy - just make sure you use it over a sink or in the shower 

My recommendations:

The Skin Gel is amazing to get that extra clean once a week. I generally use this once a week (no more than twice) and with a sheet mask after. My routine for this product is to use this prior to your shower, then wash your face with your normal cleanser, tone after your shower (which I sometimes do) and then use a sheet mask. It's actually not a huge number of steps, but one thing I would like to recommend is to use it on a day you are washing your hair (just in case you get little clumps of the dirt in your hair. 

This product is awesome if you want to have a smoother and a brighter complexion. It has helped to reduce the appearance of acne scarring and has reduce the amounts of clogged pores (which means less acne!)

I would strongly recommend this if you are trying to achieve a more flawless look with your make-up. If it is a super important date on my calendar, I will do the scrub & sheet mask routine prior to applying my make up. I feel it gives a smoother complexion and makes it easier to apply your make-up.

Would I repurchase this? Yes. I lhave used this for years and I haven't found another exfoilating scrub that can take its place. Most scrubs I have tried have left my skin irritated or damaged (worse than without using it). To the friends I have recommended it to, I have heard good reviews. My family also love it!

Until next time,

Harublossom88

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Maybelline - Lipstick Review

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I recently went a bit crazy with my Maybelline lipstick purchases. This is a great brand for its quality at drug store prices. I bought a whole heap of different lipsticks to try on, as Priceline was holding a buy 1 get 1 free sale of their lipsticks. 

I was pleasantly surprised about the items I have actually loved from the colours I had chosen. Most colours I had purchased thinking I would love weren't to my expectations. However... the bright colours, such as Electric Orange I have completely fallen in love with! I have worn this out more than the other neutral colours! 

Below are all the colours purchased. Scroll further down for swatches!

What I love about this product:

• The brights are super opaque
• They are creamy and moisturising for their pricepoint (I feel Lancome's lipsticks are better wearing)
• Their lipstick staying power is pretty good (especially the brights)
• Easy to apply
• Packaging is colourful and not super bulky - there isn't a huge chance for the lid to pop off and lipstick to go everywhere (lipstick parties in your bag is NOT fun!)
• No bleeding! (that feeling of greasiness around your mouth by the end of the day)
• Stays where you apply it (I never had it go on my teeth or what not)

What I dislike about this product:

• The colours are not always true to colour (the orange is not as overwhelming as it appears when used)
• Some of the colours don't have a good colour pay off (such as ice tea or pink sand) - they need to be applied several times
• They lose their moisture or creamy finish in a short period of time

Swatches taken without flash

Swatches taken with flash

L-R: Fifth Ave Fuchsia, Pink Peony, Pink Sand, Neon Red, Electric Orange, Vivid Rose & Ice Tea

My recommendations:

This is a great lipstick if you are trying to find something different in your lipstick routine. I love trying out these products without the high end pricepoint. The brights are exceptionally opaque after 1-2 swatches, however colours such as ice tea or pink sand required several swatches in order to get the same opaque colour. Overall I do love this product and always get compliments when I do use them!

If you are willing to overlook the need to reapply throughout the day, these can be a great way to  break into the basics of makeup. Not only that, I feel these colours are quite usable for all different colour skin types.

Would I repurchase this? Yes. I love the colour payoff and the pricepoint. This is by far my favourite drugstore lipstick. I always tend to go back to these products when I want to have a change in my routine.

Until next time,

Harublossom88

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Sally Hansen - Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips Review

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The Sally Hansen Real Nail Polish Strips have been out for a while, but the love must be shared about these items. The range is now quite large in terms of designs and colours. Compared to my previous horror story experiences with Sally Hansen liquid nail polish, I would be more than glad to use this.

Left to Right: 680 - Tutu Much, 410 - Love Letter & 480 - I Love Lacey.

What I love about this product:

• Chip free for days! (Even up to a week if you are having a great week!)
• A good range of designs and patterns 
• The strips adhere really well and can be easily removed with nail polish remover
• The strips are thin enough that application is easier to do
• They are suitable for people who have larger nail beds
• The nail strips can be stretched slightly out of needed (unlike most other brands)
• Great for bad nail days
• If you have short nails you can possibly use both ends of the nail strip for 2 different nails
• Easy to apply
• Satin-free nails and damage free nails!

What I dislike about this product:

• The price - yes this is a great product, but I would rather buy an OPI bottle of nail polish for $19.95 then purchase this item at full price (about $14.95) - this item is designed as a one off use!
• Some of the designs - are definitely aimed for the 15 year old in mind sometimes. Some designs are childish and not tastefully considered prior to production 
• They MUST be used. If you leave them open and exposed you had better get on to using them! (They are thin layers of nail polish after all!)
• Some designs (such as the candy cane red & white striped Christmas design) were really difficult to apply because of their formulation.

My recommendations:

Use this on a day when you just can't get your nails looking the way you want! They apply nicely and don't damage your nails when in use (like some nail polishes that stain). Also its a great alternative to doing designs on your nails that may take a while to complete. AND the best thing is if you liked that design you could most probably do it again in future (unless it's a limited edition nail strip). PLUS you won't need a top coat!

Would I repurchase this? Yes. I only use this when my nails need TLC, when I can't be bothered painting my nails, when I need a quick fix before going out or when I'm having a super bad nail day (when you nail polish applications just don't want to work). However, it is a rare occasion item and I will only purchase them on sale, as it is a one use product!

I hoped this helped!

Until next time,

Harublossom88

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Haul 1 - Maybelline, Chanel, Sally Hansen & Schwarzkopf Brilliance Luminance

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Today I wanted to post a few things. First off, I wanted to post about some items I have purchased in the last week. I am really excited to test these items out! Some of these items are a bit out of my comfort zone, but I think its nice to try something different out once in a while! 

So after taking this photo I realised I completely forgot to include my 

Benefit Speed Brow! 

As you probably can tell, I went a little overboard with the Maybelline lipsticks. I dropped into Priceline to purchase some of the Maybelline lipsticks, as I have seen and heard great reviews on their Vivid colour range. As a result i've ended up purchasing more than expected... Priceline is currently selling them as buy 1 get one 1 free so it was too hard to resist! The cost is great and for about 4 of these lipsticks, it would be equivalent to 1 MAC lipstick right now (MAC lipstick goes for about $36 in Australia). So for the price, I am willing to try out alternative colours I may not normally use. 

Below are the colours I purchased (and yes there is 8 lipstick above in the haul picture, but I hadn't realised one was a duplicate!) My impressions on some of these lipstick colours aren't as scary as I would consider after first glance (especially the orange!) I can't wait to try them all out!

The other items I purchased at Priceline included Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. I love these nail polish strips! Please see my next post about my thoughts on this particular product! I purchased 3 different designs for half the price! So I purchased them to use when I have a really bad nail day. 

Left to Right: 680 - Tutu Much, 410 - Love Letter & 480 - I Love Lacey.

The final item I purchased was a box of Schwarzkopf Brilliance Luminance in L43 - Smouldering Red. Right now, my current hair colour is a red balayage (ombre) that starts as a dark brown red and ends in a bright cherry red. Currently I have been using Fudge Red Corvet, but I wouldn't recommend it. I'll fill you in with another review soon about this item. So I've decided that I needed to even out my colour and I am hoping this will do it. I love the Schwarzkopf range and haven't had too many problems with the brand in the past...

Now onto the less affordable items...

At the start of the week I purchased 2 nail polishes from the new Chanel L’ÉTÉ PAPILLON collection. I LOVE these colours. The picture really doesn't do these nail polishes justice! The colour is a little sheer but are smooth to apply and doesn't lift the previous layer of polish. The aqua green 'Azure' is a two toned metallic with a blue colour in different lights. This polish reminds me of the ocean. The blue 'Bel Argus' reminds me of the wings on a Ulysses butterfly when the polish reflects in the sunlight. This is a must in your nail polish collection! I have had so many complements about these two colours! (on a side note - these polishes are about $39 a bottle!)

Anyway, apart from being blinded by these polishes and their beauty... I purchased the Benefit Speed Brow. This item was previously recommended by a friend. I have also heard great reviews about this item! The Speed Brow is a mascara that helps to fix eyebrow hair into place. I love it and it is now a holy grail item of mine. 

So for now I am really happy about all the items purchased this week. More information will be posted soon!

Until next time,

Harublossom88

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Check In - April/May 2013

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Since the first check in, there have been a few posts missing that I was wanting to post up. This included a Nars Haul, Dior Bow Cherie Palette review, MAC 'Archies Girls' review, a lipstick review and a face mask review.

Honestly I make no excuses but to say that I haven't had much time in between my university studies, work, church and other commitments. Although these may not go up as hoped (and some are obviously limited edition collections), I will however charge through and try get as many up as I possibly can in future.

For now, please read the skincare reviews I have written. Most are written positively, but I would like to remind readers that they are my honest opinions about these products. 

Some things I plan to have up include nail polish reviews, lipstick review and how I pack my travel cosmetics bag. At the moment this is all I have planned, but I will try break the cosmetic/toiletry cycle of reviews and posts and change it up when I get the chance!

Until next time,

Harublossom88





DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Laneige - Water Sleeping Pack_EX Review

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The Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX is a gel formula used to brighten and soften your complexion. This has to be one of my HOLY GRAIL items! I love this product so much!

If you haven't already seen my previous reviews on the Power Essential Skin Refiner Light (here) or the Balancing Emulsion Light (here) before reading this (as these are the steps I use in my skincare routine prior to using this product).

**Apologies in advance for the pictures. I haven't had time to take proper pictures other than the camera shots I took with my phone...

What I love about this product:

• Super lightweight
• The gel consistency
• Leaves your skin refreshed (it doesn't feel like there is a heavy layer of moisture on your skin)
• No fragrance
• A small bit goes a long way!
• Extra features - adding a spatula with the product to allow for a more sterile dispensing method (helps reduce contamination of your skincare products = less breakouts and less chances to catch something)
• Packaging (I pretty much love the entire Laneige range for their packaging)
• It literally brightens your skin complexion and evens out skin tone (ie - acne scarring)
• Great as a base prior to applying your primer and foundation

What I dislike about this product:

• Ok its not JUST this product, but when reading the english instructions, it just doesn't clearly state what step and what to use. I would think it would have to do with it being a Korean brand (and that english is not the native language). It is easy to figure out if you are aware of the cleasing, toning and moisturising routine

My recommendations:

I love the gel formula. It is lightweight and doesn't leave an oily residue. I would use this after using my Balancing Emulsion. I love how it evens out my complexion. When applied the gel formula doesn't stay the same way as it did when you first applied it. For me, it created a slightly matte appearance that also assisted in reducing excess oil production on my skin.

I would recommend this as daily use (at least once a day - preferably at night). I couldn't believe the difference it made when I had stopped using it for a month or so (before I started to use it again). After one week of using it ritually in my daily skincare routine, the change was obvious. My skin was brighter, acne scars were reduced and my pores weren't clogged up!

Would I repurchase this? YES! There isn't much to say against this product! I love to use it daily in my skincare routine and after using a sheet mask - on the once a week pamper days. Friends also noticed results and I highly recommend getting this. Try the sample sizes on Sasa first if you aren't quite sure if this is the product for you!

If you are interested in getting this, the Sasa link for this particular product can be found below (to purchase this) and the link to the companies webpage (which doesn't sell products). 

Until next time,

Harublossom88

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX

Sasa (Purchase it here)

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Laneige - Balancing Emulsion Light Review

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The Laneige Balancing Emulsion Light is a moisturise locking cream that is used once you have used the toner (Laneige's Power Essential Skin Refiner Light). This is a one of three  Basic skincare lines. This particular basic skincare line is the Light version. I will start trailing the moisture basic line once I have finally finished all the light range off.

See my previous review on the Power Essential Skin Refiner Light here!

**Apologies in advance for the pictures. I haven't had time to take proper pictures other than the camera shots I took with my phone...

What I love about this product:

• Super lightweight (it doesn't feel like you haven't used anything at all!)
• Small amounts go a LONG way (one pump is all you need)
• Pump dispenser
• Packaging is simple and beautiful
• Quantity is quality. No matter how much I use this, it provides consistent results!
• This too has been used for about a year (twice daily).

What I dislike about this product:

• Packaging - It seems to be the norm for this range. I love the appearance but I simply do not trust the structure of the packaging to take it overseas. This particular product, however did not leak or fall apart when I did travel (but it was also sealed tightly in a plastic bag with tape around it).

My recommendations:

This product is great for everyday use if you have combination skin. However, if you have dry skin, this will not provide enough moisture to your skin. When I have dry skin, I tend to use a heavier formula or other products from the Laneige skincare lines. 

This formula is thinner than most moisturisers I am familiar with. I tend to use this in my cleanse >> tone >> moisture (cream) >> moisture (gel) routine. I do love this product, but I feel it needs just a little more moisture. In saying this, I definitely love using this product before primer and foundation due to how lightweight it is. I tend to skip the moisture (gel) routine if I use make-up that day.

Would I repurchase this? Yes. I love how lightweight it is, but I would repurchase a gel or heavier moisturiser to go hand in hand or to alternate between the products. I will be repurchasing this once I have finished trailing the Laneige Basic Moisture skincare range.

If you are interested in getting this, the Sasa link for this particular product can be found below (to purchase this) and the link to the companies webpage (which doesn't sell products). 

Until next time,

Harublossom88

Laneige Balancing Emulsion Light Review

Sasa (Purchase it here)

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.

Laneige - Power Essential Skin Refiner Light Review

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The Power Essential Skin Refiner has been a favourite of mine for a while now. I stumbled upon this range a while back (as I wanted to try achieve a soft and bright complexion). Laneige states their secret is glacier water that achieves this light and gentle formula.

**Apologies in advance for the pictures. I haven't had time to take proper pictures other than the camera shots I took with my phone...

What I love about this product:

• It is super gentle on the skin
• It can be applied with a cotton pad or fingertips (you can see the excess dirt on a cotton pad after you clean or exfoliate the skin!)
• No strong fragrance 
• Packaging! (I'm a sucker for pretty packaging!)
• Bang for your buck! (I have had this bottle for nearly a year and what you see above is how much I have left of this product) - This is also used twice daily in my everyday skincare routine!
• Lightweight, dewy texture 

What I dislike about this product:

• Packaging - The screw top lid can be annoying sometimes when you are trying to use the product without a cotton pad
• NOT travel friendly - I took this bottle overseas with me and the contents slightly came out of the bottle. I would strongly suggest investing in a small travel bottle if you wanted to take this with you!
• On the first point about packaging... The screw top lid is something you will need to get use to, as the moisturiser is a capped bottle (as you will see in my next post).

My recommendations:

I absolutely love this product to death (and friends I have recommended this to have agreed). It is easy to use and doesn't leave a oily residue on your face. I use this after washing my face and prior to using a sheet mask or any facial masks. I found that using this product in conjunction with other Laneige products in this range has brighten my skins appearance and makes my skins soft and smooth. HOWEVER, I strongly recommend not taking the bottle  overseas in your luggage. I was fortunate enough that it leaked into the plastic bag i sealed it in within my waterproof cosmetics case! (I attempted it a few times, as I thought this may of been a once off chance.... I was wrong!)

Would I repurchase this? Absolutely! I love the results provided from using this product AND how it doesn't break me out. I have tried toners previous to this, but I have never found anything quite as effective as this product. However, I will take this in a smaller seal proof travel container, as a little DEFINITELY goes a long way with this!

If you are interested in getting this, the Sasa link for this particular product can be found below (to purchase this) and the link to the companies webpage (which doesn't sell products). 

Until next time,

Harublossom88

Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Light

Sasa (Purchase it here)

DISCLAIMER: Please note that all items have been purchased by me (unless otherwise stated). Opinions provided in these blog entries are my own and are by no means affiliated with or against the manufacturers provided. Anything not purchased by myself will also be my true and honest opinion. Please speak to the manufacturer if you have other queries about their products and services.