MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

Hi Beauts,

I'm not heavily into the contoured look, but I do love using a lighter concealer as explained here with a slight contour, but not anything like those crazy pics you'll find on pinterest.  I've been wanting the MAC emphasize powder for ages, but MAC South Africa doesn't seem to carry it here, what a shame, as it's such a popular under eye setting powder that helps lift the area.  So I asked the girl at the counter which product she'll recommend instead of emphasize, and she recommended this one.

I had such high hopes for this powder, and I've read quite a few reviews and people rave about this, which has left me baffled because I don't get this product.

Okay let me start from the beginning, this is a very fine translucent powder, which mattifies your skin.  I have some under eye wrinkles and dark circles, and the MAC Pro Longwear covers these perfectly.  I let the product set, and then I used this translucent powder over it - the weirdest thing then happens.  It's as if the powder brings back the dark circles and makes my under eye appear very dry, although I've properly hydrated this before application.  I've tried this all over my face, and since I've always struggled with acne, I do have some scarring and pigmentation left.  Although I use the MAC Studio Fix or Garnier BB cream, I don't go for a caked look so it's still full coverage but you'll still see some skin coming through.  When I use the powder over the completely dried foundation/bb cream, the powder makes any blemishes appear more prominent, it's so weird, it doesn't take away the foundation/bb cream but it's as if it enhances the problems underneath it.

That's why I said it's completely strange, and it seems like no one else have experienced this before. Needless to say, this powder is a complete fail for me, yes, it leaves my skin with a satin finish which feels very smooth, but frankly that doesn't sell it for me, and basically is a complete fail which really is disappointing.  Perhaps this is meant for youthful perfect skin?  I really don't know.  I don't think I've ever found a MAC product I don't like, as I basically love everything they do so this perhaps was long overdue.

I have to mention this brush, it's the Clicks Blusher Brush, and I love their brushes!  I have a big kabuki one, then a powder brush and this one.  The bristles are baby soft and they're so affordable. They've really done a good job on this brush line.

Let me know if you've tried this powder before and what your experience was?

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Catrice Cosmetics: Individual Lashes

Hi Dolls,

As we're speaking (or writing) haha ;) I'll be soaking up gorgeous sun and wriggling my toes in golden sand - sorry if you're stuck in Jozi - and wanted to share this great find with you.

Catrice Cosmetics available at selected Dischem stores

I have the shortest and sparest lashes ever, seriously, they're practically non-existent.  So when the mood strikes or there's a special occasion I love wearing falsies.  Normally I reach for strip lashes, but these ones are great if you're looking to have fluttery peepers for a few days in a row.  I had these done professionally before, you can just ask for cluster lashes, once when I was still doing sales, I had an appointment before seeing a brand new client.  The girl packed them on so thick that I literally could not keep my eyes open! I'm almost sure that the client thought I'd smoked something before coming in to see them with my droopy eyes and all lol.  So now it's just easier to do it myself.  It takes about half an hour to do both eyes.

I've used the Ardell individual lashes, and would say in terms of the actual lash, there really isn't a difference on quality, but I used the Ardell glue instead of the Catrice one, as it seems like the glue is made for one day wear instead of a couple of days, which is what I wanted.

There are two lengths in the container, medium and long.  I didn't want to go for a cat eye look, instead more of an open doll eyed look, so I used the long lashes right in the middle of my eye, and then 2 on the outer corner, and then filled the rest in with the medium length.  Honestly, I don't find applying these lashes difficult at all, I feel if you're able to do strip lashes, you should be able to do these comfortably.

Take a mirror, with a pair of tweezers, look downwards into the mirror and apply - this way you'll also be able to see any gaps and then fill them in.  These lashes look really beautiful, you can see in the pic I have no eye makeup on (nor brows eeppp), and it just gives me this full look.

I love doing this when I go on holiday too, then I don't have to worry about eye makeup at all!  Depending on how you take care of them, they should last you a few days, you will see that one or so will fall out, but you can just replace them, easy peasy.

Avoid rubbing your eyes (obviously), which is a good thing for me as I am a big eye rubber and I know it's terrible for eye wrinkles, I just can't help it though, it feels so nice to rub my eyes especially after I've woken up.  Avoid oily products around the eye area as it will remove the lashes.

I had these on for about 3 days then I removed them, you can use any oily product or vaseline, apply generous amounts and gently massage into the lashes to remove the glue.  I wish I'm able to go longer, but seriously, my hands just itch to give my eyes a good ole'rub down.  That's why I won't easily waste time on lash extensions because I know I'll cave in soon enough haha.

Have a FAB & Blessed day!

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Physicians Formula: Shimmer Strips All in 1 Custom Nude Palette for Face & Eyes

Hi Pretties,

Physicians Formula did such an amazing job with the packaging on this product, it's so girly and beautiful, the lace detailing and bow is just fabulous.  High five on that one guys!

Physicians Formula is available exclusively at Dischem Stores

This has got to be one of the most versatile products I have, and that I've used in multiple ways and love them all - which doesn't happen often.

At the back of this product, they have a mini guide of the different ways you can use it, which is so helpful.

The little bricks are really stunning, the colours are right up my alley.  All of them have a shimmer/glow to them, when I say it's beautiful it honestly is!  I've used these as eyeshadow, which looks really beautiful and glowy, you can do a natural eye or even a smokey one.  Also use them on your inner corner to make your eyes pop.

My favourite way is to wear this as a bronzer/blusher and highlighter all in one, I just mix all of the colours, then dab it on my cheeks as I do with my normal blusher (I don't apply this on top of my cheeks but closer to where my cheekbone is located so it gives the illusion of model-like cheekbones), and it's so gorgeous!  I don't even bother with contour or a separate highlighter when I do this, so it's great if you're looking for a product to save some time and money on.

You can also use this as a highlighter with the first 2 rows if you're into champagne/pinky highlighters, or include the 3rd row if you're into more of a bronzy look.

I don't own a lot of their products as I find them on the more expensive side of drugstore pricing, but I may have to look into more of their products since this has been such an amazing find.

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Pamper Favourites: Dirty Works {Face Scrub and Moisture Mask}

Hi Dolls,

I hope you're well?!

So last year I discovered this brand by total accident, and I've repurchased it several times, sometimes I wonder why it takes me so long to blog about old but firm faves?!  In fact, even my husband is a massive fan of the face scrub, I have to keep an eye on him ;)

Dirty Works Pore-Fect Face Scrub / Rose & Glow Moisture Mask available 

exclusively at Clicks

You may have noticed a trend on my blog, that I'm all about affordable beauty! Not saying expensive doesn't work, but budget buys can be just as effective, like these 2 products.  And I'm totally down with their packaging! So cute and girly!

Let me start with the scrub first, it contains very fine exfoliating beads with a slight menthol fragrance. You only need a little bit of this as it's quite powerful, just massage into damp skin where it creates a bit of foam, and it will revitalize and smoothen out your skin.  It's bursting with fruit extracts and your skin will tingle slightly. My skin which is sensitive handles this very well.  

The moisture mask contains rose and vitamin E, it's packed with ingredients to boost skin moisture and radiance.  It's also a must have in your anti-ageing regime as it contains Hyaluronic Acid which exists naturally in the skin to retain water, but as we grow older levels in the skin fall which then creates wrinkles.  You only need to leave this on for about 5 minutes, your skin will have a slight burning sensation but only for a couple of seconds.

Using these two products together will give you smooth, moisturized and glowy skin - highly recommend them!

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