RIMMEL LASTING FINISH LIPSTICK Review & Swatches

Every girl needs a LBD (Little Black Dress) in her wardrobe. It's a life saver whenever she couldn't find THE dress for a special occasion. You can never go wrong with LBD. Well, most of the time anyways. 

So, what is the equivalent of LBD in the beauty department? 

It's non other than the improved Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick, the iconic, timelessly stylish staple when you need to look your best, be it a hot date or just a night out with the girls. 

The improved formula of Lasting Finish Lipstick is enriched with 50% longer-wearing colour-boost pigments up to 25% more colour impact than traditional lipsticks. The new Lasting Finish Lipstick promises fresh, only-just-applied-look colour and an intense wear for up to 8 hours. 

Moving on to the upgraded packaging design, the celebrated slanted cap with the embossed crown and further enhanced by a metallic silver ring engraved with the Rimmel signature simple screams sleek, luxurious and sophisticated! 

Rimmel face Zooey Deschanel looks hot in Heartbreaker (016) in the new Lasting Finish ad. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick comes in a dazzling array of vibrant colours!!! There are 21 of them to be precise, including new shades alongside the likes of perennial favourite Heather Shimmer (066). From delicate pink Candy (002) to lush mauve Purple Show (120), from nude Undressed (240) to sizzling orange Firecracker (214) and seeing-red Alarm (170).

I, myself am a proud owner of Pink Blush (006), Airy Fairy (070), Alarm(170) and Crush (202).

:)

Kristina was kind enough to send me a few of the newly improved Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick to try out. Look at how sleek the new packaging is!!!!

 You can be the judge when you scroll down to the next picture as I took a photo using my Alarm (with the old packaging) instead. 

- Guestlist, Nude Pink, Heartbreaker, Birthday Suit and Alarm - 

See what I mean by the new sleek packaginggg????

Absolute loves!!!

I was a tad surprised that I didn't squeal out loud when I opened my little package at work as I love all the colours, especially Guestlist and Heartbreaker!!!  

(FYI, I am back into darker lips after rocking the peachy/coral lips all summer)

Enough of babbling (or writing in this case) and lets move on to swatches and you will understand where am I coming from. :)

- Guestlist, Nude Pink, Heartbreaker, Birthday Suit and Alarm - 

As you can tell from the swatches, the colours are extremely vibrant and super pigmented!!! <3

Awesome quality for such an affordable price!!!

This is definitely my favourite in the lot!! 

As mentioned earlier, I have recently rekindle my love with darker lipsticks, but bright, bloody red lips is not exactly appropriate for a corporate environment. To me, at least. 

Guestlist is THE perfect coral shade - its not too over the top bold but bold enough to brighten up the entire look. I can forsee this colour to be my "lipstick of the week" for a while - probably throughout autumn. :)

Nude Pink is more of a peachy-coral ish colour, which reminds me of Crush and MAC Lipstick in Jazzed. 

I have been wearing this colour pretty much all summer, so this little baby will probably spend some time hibernating in my make up stash when the weather is cold. Then again, Adeline has her mood when it comes to lipstick colours. We shall see about that. :)

Heart Breaker is a stunning fushia coloured to be added to the bright and bold department. 

I wore this out over the weekend, with minimal neutral eye make up and really like it! I might even try this to work one day although it's a tad too bold for my liking (to work that is). I don't think my work really mind but I don't really feel comfortable with such an eye-striking colour as yet. 

For those of you who watches Xteeener's videos would of probably heard her rave about this colour countless time. I have always wanted to try it out but never really have the chance to.

I tried Birthday Suit sometime last week and I can definitely see where Xteeener is coming from. It's a gorgeous nude colour which doesn't make you look like a chronic patient. I reckon it goes really well with dramatic smokey eyes.

Last but not least, Alarm. 

This is the one that I currently owned and it is still in the old packaging as you can see.

This is the perfect colour for 1950s-inspired look like my Mad Men FOTD but definitely not an everyday colour.  

Rimmel's new lasting finish offers the perfect combination of colour, coverage, intensity, shine and comfort thanks to an advanced glide-on formulation incorporating Colour Protect technology, which delivers up to 25% more colour impact than traditional lipsticks.

Get the London look with the iconic long-lasting lipstick from Rimmel London - non-stop vibrant colour and shine for up to 8 hours!


RRP $9.95.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick is available from selected David Jones, Priceline, Kmart, Target, Big W, Coles stores and pharmacies nationally.


What is your favourite out of the lot?
Have you tried anything from Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick range? 



Disclaimer: The above lipsticks were sent to me for trial and review purposes. I am not compensated for this post and as always the review is my 100% honest opinion. 


XOXO,
A

Introduction to FACE OF AUSTRALIA

I was lucky enough to be sent a love package from Face of Australia a week ago. :) I was surprised when I was greeted by a MASSIVE parcel at the reception when I was told that I have a delivery for me. I most certainly wasn't expecting the love package to be this generous! A big thank you to Face of Australia. :P

Before I start showcasing the goodies I received, let me give you guys a brief outline of FoA's background. :) 

FoA was first launched in 1997 and has now evolved into one of Australia's leading colour cosmetic brands. FoA is one of the very few drugstore brands which provide decent products at an affordable price. 

FoA values celebrate beauty on the inside and out in all women and promote having fun with your make up to reflect your own personal style. :) FoA is Australian made and owned and 100% against animal testing. (that's extra brownie points, isn't it!)

Here are the goodies included in my love package :) See what I mean by generous?

Products included above are:

• FoA Gentle Make-Up Remover Lotion  (RRP: $8.95 for 125mL) - perfect for all skin types particularly those with very sensitive and eyes. 

• FoA Face Base Primer (RRP: $11.95 for 50mL) - contains Vitamin E to smooth your complexion, fills fine lines for a more balanced surface, in order for your foundation to apply evenly and stay on longer for all-day flawless skin. 

• FoA Mineral Therapy Liquid Foundation  (RRP: $15.95 for 50mL) - Formulated with pure light reflecting minerals, provided a soft and glowing finish. It claims that it will not clog pores or irritate skin and evens skin tones. Available in 4 shades.

• FoA Anti-ageing Stick Foundation SPF 15 (RRP: $11.95 for 15g) - Handy 2 in 1 foundation stick that gives you great overall coverage but can be worn as a concealer. Also available in 4 shades.

• FoA Mineral Therapy Powder Foundation (RRP: $16.95 for 10g) - Delivers flawless coverage and a healthy boost of minerals to complexion. Available in 4 shades too and it comes in blushes too.  

• FoA Translucent Loose Powder (RRP: $11.95 for 30g) - Eliminate shine and maintain freshness and achieve a professional finish to your make up application. 

• FoA Pressed Bronzer (RRP: $11.95 for 15g) - Ultra-fine textured powder gives you an instant sun kissed complexion. 

• FoA Liquid Eyeliner (RRP: $8.95 for 8mL) - Ultra fine applicator creates precise definition to the shape of the eyes. Claims that it sets in seconds and water resistant.

• FoA New Mineral Lipshine (RRP 12.95) - Go-between lip colour - not sticky and shiny like a lipgloss and not as heavy as lipstick. Available in 7 different colours.

• FoA Divine Shine Lip Plumper (RRP: $10.95 for 9.4g) - Gives you enviable, fullest lips with natural ingredients and lasting shine. 

• FoA Instant Tan Bronzer (RRP: $11.95) - Offers a natural looking, golden tan all year round without streaking and suitable for all skin types.

• FoA SPF 30+ Coconut Spray Sunscreen (RRP: $12.99 for 250mL) - The trigger spray provides easy application and coverage with 30 times your skins natural protection from the sun. 

FoA New Mineral Lipshine and FoA Divine Shine Lip Plumper were not included in the picture above as they are now happily sitting in my make up bag and I totally forgotten about it, until 5 minutes ago. =.="

I have only tried the Pressed Bronzer and Liquid Eyeliner so far and they are pretty good. I will probably do reviews on the few products that I enjoy using the most. If you'd like me to review any of the abovementioned products, just leave a comment below and let me know. :)

Seeing that I have dry skin and now that winter is approaching, my skin is probably gonna get as dry as the desert. That being said, I don't use face primer. Also, as I am not really foundation person (BB Cream and tinted moisturiser FTW!), the stick foundation will probably become a white elephant in no time. I have heard that FoA Stick foundation is good for oily skin but I can't guarantee that though since I have never tried it out myself. Hence, instead of hoarding products that I will probably never use, I will be including these 2 products in my upcoming giveaway. STAY TUNE FOR THAT.  :P

Have you tried any FoA products at all?

 What do you think of them?

XOXO,

A

FOTW - Working Series / Wet & Wild Series - Peachy Vanity

HELLO!!! :)

How's going everyone? I have finally handed in my assignment yesterday and am free from CA for a while before full force nerding starts for my finals. =.="  But it's good to be back! :) I spent all of last night taking photos and watermarking them, which took ages btw! So, do expect a series of updates in the next few days!  

This is just a quick FOTW - Working Series post before I get ready to work. 

This also fits in as part of the Wet&Wild Series as I used both the Wet&Wild Color Icon Palette in Greed and Vanity to create this look. No prizes for those who guessed these are my favourites of all time! :P 

Wet & Wild Colour Icon Palette in Greed

Wet & Wild Colour Icon Palette in Vanity

For swatches of these palettes, CLICK HERE. 

This is one of my favourite combination of all time (peach + brown) and I have been wearing it to work a lot in the past couple of weeks.  

On my EYES

ELF Eyeshadow Primer

MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot

# 5 from Wet & Wild Color Icon Palette in Greed (All over the lid)

# 6 from Wet & Wild Color Icon Palette in Vanity (crease)

# 5 from Wet & Wild Color Icon Palette in Vanity (outer V)

# 1 from Wet & Wild Color Icon Palette in Vanity (highlight)

Wet & Wild Gel Eyeliner in Black 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Zero

Hello Kitty Maybelline Volume Extreme Mascara

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil in Hard

On my FACE

Etude House Magic BB Cream

Garnier Anti Dark Circles Roll On in Light

MAC MSF in Medium

MAC Wonder Woman MSF in Golden Lariat (Bronzer, Blush, Highlight)

On my LIPS

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Airy Fairy

*with flash*

*natural lighting*

(It was probably taken on a Monday, hence the "sulking" pose. LOL)

I know, I know. Most of my FOTW-Working series looks are always revolving around browns and peaches. They are almost fail proof and easy to match but I have been trying to venture out of my comfort zone and incorporate more autumn-ish colours like plum and olive green. :P

What are your favourite combinations for work/school make up?

XOXO,

A

B.R.B.

Hey lovelies!

Just a quick announcement that I will be on a short hiatus due to my Chartered Accountants (CA) assignment which due next Monday. It's killing me at the moment and I need to fully focus in the next couple of days before the deadline.

I will be more consistent with posting after next Monday - as I will have more time to take photos, watermark them and start writing. So, don't forget to check this space after Monday. :)

ALSO, I have reached 152 followers now!!!! 

THANK YOU so much to those of you who have been so supportive during my whole journey with Through Beauty Eyes. I never would of expected to reach 100 followers, let alone over 150. I would like to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart! :)

Do expect a giveaway coming up soon! I have been collecting stuff since my Asia trip and I have a couple more items to add to the gift package. It should be happening sometime next week. So, stay tune for THAT too.

And till then, stay safe and have a great weekend guys!!!

XOXO,

A

FOTD ft Illamasqua Atomic and Delirium

Hey lovelies!!!

Hope you guys are enjoying the weekend, unlike me hermit-ing at home trying to finish off my CA assignment while the weather is gorgeous as this weekend - perfect to tan myself before autumn's weather really hits. But yeh, assignment ain't going well and I have been stuffing my face with junk food. Time to pull my socks up and nail the assignment as well as working those weekend fats off at the gym. 

On a side note, unless you're completely ignorant and oblivious to the world's affairs, you would of known that Japan was hit by one of the worst earthquakes in history, which then triggered tsunami and now, nuclear plant blast. My prayers to the Japanese! I hope you will see your silver lining soon! 

For today's FOTD, I used both Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Delirium and Illamasqua Atomic Lipstick that I received during Illamasqua Toxic Nature Preview last week when I had brunch with a girlfriend last Sunday.

Cream Pigment in Delirium

Atomic Lipstick

Delirium over ELF Eyelid primer - such a gorgeous lilac colour which works perfectly as a single all over the lid colour if you're not feeling to adventurous that day. :)

Instead of the usual browns, I used Delirium all over the lid.

Also, I chose a purple eyeliner instead of my usual black to match the lilac colour. :)

On my EYES

ELF Eyelid Primer

Illamasqua Cream Pigment Delirium

Milani Single Eyeshadow in Golden Bronze

Etude House Single Eyeshadow (in white?)

Wet & Wild Gel Eyeliner in Eggplant

Maybelline Volume Express Hello Kitty Mascara

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil in Hard

Circle Lenses (sponsored by MUKUCHU)

A quick step-by-step guide on how I achieved this look. :) *click for larger image*

On my FACE

  Benefit Some-Kind-Of-Gorgeous Foundation Fake

Garnier Anti Dark-Circles Roll On in Light

MAC MSF in Medium

MAC Wonder Woman MSF in Golden Lariat 

On my LIPS

Illamasqua Atomic Lipstick (From Toxic Nature)

This is how my skin tone gonna be like in another couple of months. :(

I wasn't planning to wear such a bold coloured lipstick, especially with the lilac neutral eyes but Atomic was screaming for my attention. :P

I am loving the Atomic + Delirium combination. :) 

What about you?

That's yours truly sulking for having to stay in all weekend (in this gorgeous weather, may I add) to finish off my assignment. 

What do you think of the latest Illamasqua Toxic Nature collection, especially Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Delirium and Illamasqua Atomic Lipstick? 

Are you lemming for any products?

XOXO,

A

REVIEW: Wondercap Hair Treatment

This post has been collecting dust in my drafts for the longest time ever!!! It was drafted right before my Christmas break and it has been hibernating in there since then. =.="

Having to reborn (I believe that's the term used for permanent Japanese hair straightening) annually ever since I was 15, with a couple of dyes and highlights in between, my hair is not exactly the healthiest. I never really looked after my hair up until the last couple of years when I decided to show my hair some TLC. 

Of course, it would be ideal if I can get a hair treatment in the salon every few months but thats definitely not part of "prudent spending" which I have been trying to enforced and it can only be a rare treat when  I deserve it. =.=" The only DIY treatment I get is probably from hair mask. 

You can probably imagine how excited I was when Jenny contacted me and asked if I would like to try Wondercap - a DIY hair treatment at home, which is a "must have" hair essential. :)

Wondercap is a wheat- pack hair treatment that gives you fast and convenient way to boost your hair mask treatment.   

The conventional way to get heat to your head during a deep conditioning hair treatment at home was to wrap your hair in gladwrap and hot wet towels. However, the wet towels only stayed warm for a couple of minutes and not to mention, it's quite a hassle too. 

How to use it:

1. Shampoo your hair, rinse and pat dry.

2. Comb through Wondercap Guardian Angel Intensive Conditioning Treatment (Supplied).

3. Tuck Hair into disposable shower cap supplied.

4. Heat Wondercap in Microwave for 90 seconds on high and then increments until desired temperature is reached. 

5. Place warm Wondercap on hair for 3-5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. 

How Wondercap works:

 The heat from the Wondercap opens up your hair cuticles, allowing the hair mask to nourish and replace moisturiser in the inner hair shaft. This will maximise the effectiveness of hair conditioning treatment. All it takes is 5 minutes of your time. :)

What I think of the product?

My hair feels EXTREMELY soft and smooth after using Wondercap, almost as though like I have just gotten my hair treatment in the salon. And the best part is - you don't have to spend hours to achieve the results. Personally, I find the warm Wondercap soothing and relaxing, especially after a long day. However, I gotta admit, I should be using this amazing product more often and it will probably achieve an amazing result if combined with my favourite Essentials Honey Shea Butter Hair Mask. But due to the lazy bones of mine, especially after work and gym, microwaving the Wondercap for a mere 90seconds seems like an effort to me. =.=" 

Will I recommend this product?

I do recommend this product for those of you who'd like to achieve a salon-like hair, ie smooth and shiny within 5 minutes, this is definitely something you should check out! 

RRP: $59.95(NZ Dollars) for Wondercap pack which includes showercap, Wondercap and 50mL Guardian Angel hair treatment. 

The Wondercap range is available at the Wondercap Website,  selected Price Attack and Shaver Shop stores Australia wide. 

Is Wondercap a product you will try out? 

If you decided to try out this product, do let me know what you think about the product. :)

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration. All opinions expressed are 100% honest. 

XOXO,

A

Fridays FOTD ft Circle Lenses & Falsies

This FOTD was "previewed" in my Illamasqua Toxic Nature post *click if you haven't read it!*, which is pretty much my "Fridays FOTD" too.

For those of you who follow me on twitter would have probably known that Friday nights usually made up of after work drinks and out and about after. And being the old lady I am, partying-two-nights-in-row is no longer in my books. =.=" In another words, less opportunities to create dramatic looks now that I seldom go out on Saturdays. Hence, I try to be a little more "creative" on Fridays. 

By more "creative", I simply mean wearing :

"natural" looking falsies

AND

Circle Lenses 

(sponsored by MUKUCHU!) 

Am currently loving these lenses as they are not overly dramatic like the violet ones that I own but it makes my eyes look more "energised". Such a shame they aren't toric lenses though, or else I would of wear them everyday. 

One of the more "natural" falsies that I own - "number 21" by Model 21.

I have been wearing this model for the past couple of weeks cos they are SUPER comfy and it doesn't look super dramatic but definitely open up my syes. Love it! 

On my EYES

ELF Eyeshadow Primer 

MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot

Smog from UD Naked Palette (as all over the lid colour)

Hustle from UD Naked Palette (outer crease)

Creep from UD Naked Palette (Outer V)

Dark Horse from UD Naked Palette (Lower lash line)

Virgin (Browbone highlight)

Wet & Wild Gel Eyeliner in Black

Maybelline Hello Kitty Volume Mascara 

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil in Hard

On my FACE

Etude House Magic BB Cream

Garnier Anti Dark Circles Roll On in Light

MAC Wonder Woman MSF in Golden Lariat

On my LIPS

Max Factor Xperience Sheer Gloss Balm in Rose Quartz

I am loving Max Factor's new Xperience Sheer Gloss Balm as it is super moisturising and it's tinted! Perfect for my super dry lips!

The key to the perfect smokey eyes is BLENDING. All you need is blend away the harsh line to get a smooth transition of colours and you're good to go. :)

Slightly more dramatic than my usual working make up but still appropriate for work and not too over the top. :)

Is this something you would wear to work or is it too much for your personal liking?

Do you create a slightly more "dramatic" look on Fridays too?

Hope you're having a great week so far! It's Thursday tomorrow!!!! (Read: Friday Eve LOL)

XOXO,

A

Illamasqua "TOXIC NATURE" Preview 04.03.2011

Unpredictable, uncharted, unnatural. Distorted by mankind, the natural world is fighting back. 

Once again, British-cult make up brand, Illamasqua brings to you yet another extraordinary collection - Spring / Summer 2011 TOXIC NATURE Collection. :) 

Alex Box, Illamasqua  Creative Director was inspired by the volcanic eruption that took place in Europe last year. The Illamasqua Toxic Nature Spring/Summer 2011 collection is based on the vision of nature taking revenge on those who intend to damage and destroy it. 

In retaliation against the genetically modified society that plunders it, the landscape has issued forth a torrent of hybrid shades. Corrupted hues glister amongst muted tones - extreme, intoxicating versions of their original selves. 

This is an atomic - botanical environment where survival is key and camouflage by colour is the path to existence. 

Become a herald of the new age of toxic nature with unchartered night - time make up. 

Enough of Toxic Nature promo pictures, time to move on to the cream of the cake! :)

Last Friday, I was lucky to be invited to the exclusive preview of the Illamasqua Toxic Nature Collection at Woolloomooloo Wharf. :)

Superduperly delicious MACAROONS!!!!!! ♥♥♥

Friday night with champagne, macaroons AND make up, what more can a girl ask for? :)

The lovely Christabel who's behind all this Friday-awesomeness, explaining the story behind this new collection and showcasing Illamasqua 's new product - the cream pigment. 

- Emerge, Bedaub, Delirium, Hollow- 

I am pretty sure we have all came across either a cream product (think paint pot or cream shadow) or pigment but cream pigment? This is definitely the first time. This revolutionary cream pigment is very versatile as you can apply it on your eye, lips, face and body albeit I have only tried it on my lids so far. :P

The make up artist working his magic on Illamasqua' model of the night - Frances. (I am not sure if I spelt her name right.)

TA-DA - the final result. 

Frances' tutu dress (which was DIY-ed btw!) was inspired by this promo pic. 

A close up of the GORGEOUS LOOK!

Don't they look alike? :)

And that gorgeous lime green polish is part of their new nail collection - Radium, which happens to be my NOTW too.


The products used to create the look above.

Illamasqua is well-known for its versatility and it's all about being extraordinary and living beyond main stream limitations. Hence, most of their products can be used anywhere, be it eyes, lips, face or your body.


Let's use Frances as an example, Atomic lipstick was used as a blush, Precision Ink was used as both a nude lipstick (Glister) and to create the "black tears" effect.


Confused? Too much to digest from all the amazing photos above? 


Well, let me take you on a tour around the secret garden of Toxic Nature Spring/Summer 2011 collection that will blow your mind away!

CREAM PIGMENTS

TOP: Emerge (Peach), Bedaub (Mint), Dab (Lilac)

BOTTOM: Hollow (Toffee), Delirium (Rose Taupe), Mould (Grape)

L-R - Purity, Gamma, Radium, Bacterium and Stagnate

LIPSTICKS

 Atomic (fushia violet) and Flare (bright orange) are the two toxic tones that screams sexy, which is your ultimate urban survival too for the neon generation. 

This is all you need in your make up purse, to instantly brighten up your neutral work FOTD and you're ready to paint the town red! 

SHEER LIPGLOSS

It comes with 2 matching sheer lipgloss - Torture (coral peach) and Divine (fuchsia pink).

Lipstick & Lipgloss swatches. 

Pampering session - manicure by Mandy. :)

VOILA - Radium with Bacterium tips. :)

Pretty nails!!! To be honest, I was never really a fan of green but this gorgeous lime green colour caught my attention the moment I set my eyes on the array of nail polishes laid across the table. 

All bloggers were given a little gift at the end of the event and Christabel carefully picked different products for every blogger depending on their personalities. And I gotta say, she sure knows me well as she picked the top 2 products that I had my eyes on all night!!!!

Atomic Lipstick ♥

Delirium Cream Pigment ♥

*Under natural light*

*With flash*

I am absolutely in love with these 2 products and I have already created a FOTD using both of them, which compliments each other too, may I add. 

Fret not lovelies, it will be coming up shortly :)

This was my FOTD for last Friday, slightly more dramatic but still not OTT for work with the Circle Lenses and falsies. :) 

Stay tune for the FOTDs!

For more promo photos and information regarding the Toxic Nature, feel free to check out Illamasqua's website!
Illamasqua's Toxic Nature Spring/Summer Collection 2011 will be released in the UK on the 17 March 2011 and is available online on the 10 March 2011.
I am not really sure with the release date here in Australia but I reckon it should be at the end of March. Will provide you guys with an update once I have gotten the right date :)


HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LITTLE TOUR DOWN THE SECRET GARDEN OF TOXIC NEONS & PASTELS :)


What is your favourite from this collection? Any lemmings?

Let me know. :P


XOXO,
A