Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Hump Day Nail Story #1 : Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

Happy hump day lovelies!!!

Hope you are having a great week so far! Hump day simply means we are half way through the week and another day closer to the weekend. :) *countdown begins*

Hump Day Nail Story is a new series on Through Beauty Eyes, in which I will be featuring my "nail of the week" or any new nail polish collections or great products that are worth showing some love. Be sure to tune in every Wednesday for some nail loving goodness. :)


"Peel and apply strips of real, long lasting nail polish in just minutes any time, any place. Dress up your nails with no mess and no hassle - even right before going to bed! Each strip is quick and easy fashion statement for your finger tips"


The star of the first Hump Day Nail Story is none other than SALLY HANSEN SALON EFFECTS HALLOWEEN REAL NAIL POLISH STRIPS

Ghoulie Girl, Prep's Cool, Snow Bunny
If you are a beauty lover, you are ought to know (or at least are aware of) Sally Hansen's revolutionary Salon Effects Nail Strips with its funky designs, to give you a quick and easy fashion statement for your finger tips. 

Snow Buddy
Each Salon Effects kit comprises of everything you need for fun themed nails - 16 nail polish strips, a cuticle stick, mini file/ buffer and instruction for a quick DIY salon manicure. :) Removal of the nail strips is easy and hassle-free too, simply swipe it with your nail polish remover for an instantly clean state. No fuss at all. 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in WISHNETS. 

MY THOUGHTS:

- No mess and no hassle? Definitely. Smudging your half dry nail polish is the last thing you need to worry. You don't have to go through the hassle of using a Q-tip to remove any excess nail polish around your nails too. I used the cuticle stick given to carefully remove any excess nail strips in just seconds. 

- Quick and easy? I do admit, it took me a while to get use to the whole applying technique (with quite a few wastage along the way) but once I got the hang of it, it was as easy as ABC and definitely quick. 

Just a heads up, you're meant to use the layer IN BETWEEN the 2 plastic layers (think: telephone screen protector), rather than peeling it off and applying like a sticker. 

- Ten-day staying power? Unfortunately, mine did not last for that long. It started to chip at approximately 5 days. It could be due to the fact that I was a noob and did not apply it the "right way"but I am not entirely sure. I will try it again and maybe use a top coat after applying them. Will let you guys know if it lasts longer. 

- Exy or affordable? At RRP of $14.95 per kit, it is slightly on the more expensive side, considering you can only use it once. However, if you are one that adores nail arts/ designs but do not have the time to do them weekly, Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips is definitely a better alternative compared to splurging at least $30 each time you feel like a change of design. 

Peppermint Twist, Plaid About You, Snow Bunny, Prep's Cool, Winter Funderland

In conjunction with the upcoming festive season, Sally Hansen Salon Effects continues in the celebration mode and introduces 5 new limited edition Christmas styles to celebrate the Christmas festive season. 

Sally Hansen Christmas Salon Effects Range are retailing at $14.95 and are now available from Priceline, David Jones and selected pharmacy stores nationally for a limited time only. 

Have you tried Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips?
Which is your favourite from the Christmas Range? 
Mine is Winter Funderland. :)


DISCLAIMER: I was sent Snow Bunny, Prep's Cool, Wishnets and Ghoulie Girl for consideration purposes by Coty PR. I am in no way affiliated with the brand nor getting compensated for this post. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eye's Disclosure Policies

XOXO,
A

Saturday, November 26, 2011

REVIEW: TORIC LENSES FOR ASTIGMATISM IN E NATURAL 2

Hey lovelies, what's crackin'? Hope you girls had an awesome weekend! I know I did, with Stereosonic2011 going off and weather god was on our side. Definitely one of the best weekends I had this year! 

Today, I will be doing a review on my TORIC LENSES FOR ASTIGMATISM IN E-NATURAL2 , kindly sponsored by MUKUCHU. My apologies for taking SO LONG to have this review up as I have mentioned several times before, my backlogged list can probably fight the Great Wall of China as of today. #FailBeautyBlogger.



These lenses barely give any difference in terms of size or colour of my eyes duhhh. The only "effect" I can tell is it makes my dopey eyes more "awake" and "alive". 

Would you be able to tell which eye has the lenses on and which doesn't?




Winner gets a virtual chocolate from me. :P





Kudos to those who managed to guess: Left without, Right with.

Both eyes with lenses, without make up. 

Lenses, with make up (using Wet & Wild Palette in LUST )

Lenses, with make up (using Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Androgen)

A close up on how the lenses look - you can vaguely see the black "rim" surrounding my dark brown eye. 

A complete FOTD, with lenses.
See what I mean by "livelier" and "awake" eyes?

My thoughts on these lenses:

Colour/ Pattern: As you can tell from the pictures above, these lenses are nothing but subtle. Its probably suitable for those of you who want to try out circle lenses but is still a little reserve with the crazy ass patterns, this will is the perfect "trial lense".

Enlargement: I don't think these lenses have any enlargement effect compared to my other lenses. 

Comfort: For toric AND circle lenses, they are pretty comfortable I must say. I wear them for almost 15 hours a day and I am pretty fortunate that my eyes have not turned into Sahara desert without the need to apply eye drops. 

Price: These lenses are retailing at $48AUD/ $46USD a pair. I know they are a little steep, but that's because they are toric lenses and toric lenses are ALWAYS more expensive. My normal prescribed toric lenses are THREE times the price of a pair of normal lenses. There you go. 


MUKUCHU is currently running a few promotions for bulk buyers:

Purchase 3 pairs: receive a free pretty lens case
Purchase 4 pairs: receive a $5 coupon
Purchase 5 pairs or more: receive a free pair of lenses

Check out the range of TORIC lenses MUKUCHU carries. If you are lucky enough to have low to no astigmatism, you have a whole lot of varieties to choose from.

Disclaimer: These lenses were sent to me for consideration and review purposes. I am in no way affiliated with MUKUCHU, nor am I being compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please review Through Beauty Eye's disclosure policies

XOXO,
A

Monday, November 21, 2011

Summer Sunday Part 1: Beach, Brunch, Hauls

Hey lovelies,

How's going? Hope you guys had a great weekend! I had an awesome "getaway" from my hood and had a sleepover at Miss Wendy &Co over the weekend. But of course, with the glorious Saturday's weather, W and I couldn't miss some sun baking and brunch time @ the good ol' Bondi Beach.


Magazine, Sun, Sand, Sunnies on a Saturday = perfecto!


Lunch @ Capricco - Egg Benedict with Smoked Salmon

Being the shopaholics we are, we managed to squeeze in a quick but productive shopping sesh after lunch, before dinner. 

Haul from RUBI and Cotton On
Pink Plimsole, Semi Sheer Evie Kimono, polka dot sunnies case, retro pink wayfarers and aviators, polka dot singlet and a peach singlet (which I wore the next day - OOTD pictured below).

I pretty much had my Stereosonic outfit planned here LOL. Would you be able to take a guess? ;)
(It's not hard really, just picture teeny boppers =.=")

Sunday OOTD - Peach singlet - Cotton On/ Denim Shorts - SUPRE/ Havianas Thongs/ Envelope Clutch - Sports Girl/ Aviator - Cotton On
Omelette with tomato, cheese and spinach leave with Russian Rye @ Houlihans, Chatswood
W & I had another brunch sesh to fill up our tum tum right before another retail therapy session. I gotta admit, whist retail therapy gives me the satisfaction and happiness, there's always a twinge of guilt that engulfs me whenever I think about my bank account/ CC bill. With my pretty "relax" spending the past couple of weeks, I think its time to take a step back in retail therapy until my Asia trip.

Okies, enough of random ramblings and thoughts, lets move on to more haulage from Lovely Culture, the oh-so-raved-about DAISO (all hail $2.80 Japanese products! cheap cheap) and the oh-so-evil Priceline.  :)

Usamimi headband from Lovely Culure, random Japanese beauty products from DAISO and more make up from Priceline. 
(I need to stop buying beauty products in the name of blog research. =.=")

Hello Kitty Compact Pressed Powder in Ambre, Maybelline FIT ME blush/bronzer in Deep Bronze, Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Coral Fever and Maybelline Illuminating Concealer in Nude
I have been wanting to check out the Priceline Hello Kitty range for quite sometime after hearing it being raved about on the blogosphere. Unfortunately, all Priceline around the city (George St, Westfield & World Square) do not stock the Hello Kitty range and I was so excited when I saw it at Chatswood. 

However, I can't justify buying anymore lip products, especially after the lipsticks and lipgloss I got from last week (haul post coming up next) and another coral lippie I got above. (Yes, I am currently IN LOVE with any coral/orange shade lippies). Also, none of the nail colours really appealed to me. So, I decided to go with the Pressed Powder in Ambre instead. 

Maybelline is currently having a 3 FOR 2 deal at Priceline. Don't forget to check it out if you're looking to stock up or try out their products. :)

Hello Kitty Compact Pressed Powder in Ambre and Maybelline FIT ME blush in Deep Bronze,
I first thought that Ambre was a blush but it was more of a matte bronzer. As for Deep Bronze, it actually works more as a blush (to give the sunkissed look) than a bronzer. I did try swatching but the colours aren't the most pigmented on my loot but when applied, they both work perfectly together to give the summer glow imo! Keep reading to find out more! ;)

@2.80 Japanese eyeliner
I have been looking for a new alternative to my Mineresse´ Tight Liner I absolutely adore (but its a tad on the pricey side for something I use almost daily - approx $30) and one of a "must have" criteria when it comes to eyeliner is waterproof as most often than not, I hit the gym after work and I don't usually remove my eye make up. 

I decided to give these 2 waterproof eyeliners a try and will get back to you guys on how I find them. Just a little note here, I am usually doubtful in paying for overly cheap cosmetics but this is an exception as they were made in Japan and I trust Japanese' quality control. Lols.

$2.80 eyeshadow trio in brown
I know, I know. I really don't need any more neutral shades but its... only $2.80 and it seems like the perfect compact for your make up back. Don't you agree? :P

Swatches of eyeshadow trio and eyeliners. 
See what I mean about Japanese and their quality control? You gotta admit, they look pretty damn good at the price of $2.80.

INGLOT E/S in DS 459 and Pearl 407
I had 2 more empty spot in my INGLOT palette I purchased during IMATS 2011 and they were having 30% off their discontinued range (the round eyeshadows) and are retailing for $5.60 after discount. HOW TO RESIST, YOU TELL ME? 

DS 459 and Pearl 407
Need I say more about how awesome and great INGLOT eyeshadows are? I can definitely see myself using Pearl 407 very often during summer as an all over the lid colour! :)

DAISO Detergent for puff and sponge
This is apparently a good brush cleaner and at $2.80 per bottle, I couldn't resist but to put it in my basket for once again, "blog research". =.="

Random shitz from DAISO
More storage baskets/ paper holder - With the amount of stuff I have been hauling lately as well as stuff I already owned, I can still do with more storage stuff for organisation. :)
Disinfectant wet tissues - Hygiene purposes (Don't think anymore justification is required)
Contact lenses travelling pack - Because I was such a genius and forgotten about my contacts solutions and casing while packing for the weekend and W had to drive me around Chatty to get some contact solutions. These fits my make up bag easily and are perfect for emergency. 
 Socks - For gym, nuff said. 

Perfect for lipstick storage - to store my impulse and crazy purchase of lip products. 

FINALLY, 
FOTD sneak peak - See what I mean about the sunkissed glow?
Using all the products from my haulage except for the Maybelline Illuminating Concealer. 
EYES - DAISO Eyeshadow Trio in Brown
CHEEKS - Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Deep Bronze
CONTOUR - Hello Kitty Compact Pressed Powder in Ambre
LIPS - Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Coral Fever

Feel free to leave a comment below if you like me to do a more detailed review. :)
Stay tune for Part II haul from 2 Sundays ago. ;)


Have you hauled anything interesting lately? 
Does any of you buy stuff in the name of "blogging research" more often than you should? 

Also, don't forget to enter my Herbal Essence Giveaway if you haven't already! :)

XOXO,
A

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

EVENT: REVLON Grow Luscious Pumping Mascara Bloggers Event



Happy Hump Day lovelies,

What's happenin'? A midweek update on Through Beauty Eyes. :P

I was lucky enough to be invited to REVLON Grow Luscious Pumping Mascara Bloggers night at Westfield City last Friday, thanks to Megan, just exactly what I needed after a long day at my CA seminar. :) I love having beauty events to attend after work, especially during midweek. Definitely makes my week way shorter and happier. :P Who's with me on this?

DJ Spinnin', Make Up Artist, Friday arvo, what more could you ask for?
Actually, a champers in hand would have been perfect. =P

Bloggers mingling around. 

REVLON's new Grow Luscious Pumping Mascara 

Having a makeover by the talented Lianne. Don't mind the gross hair bun, I was trying to keep my hair away from my face and also hoping to achieve that "cheat-me-wavy" look (which clearly failed btw).

The make up artists working their magic! 

Lianne using REVLON Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara on me. 

TA-DA! The final result of the makeover!!! Loving the entire look! 
I never knew orange lippie goes well with Aqua eyes! I guess there's never too bold when it comes to make up. =P

Lianne did an awesome job on my eyes with the bright "poppy" aqua colour! Someone actually walked up to me while Lianne was still working her wonders and complimented my eye make up! She ended up requesting for an eye makeover too. :D

Blowing kisses with Michelle from CosmeticCupcake and Angie from AnObsessionWithTheFabulous

Candid of Angie and I picking our fav photos from the Photobooth.

If you haven't already followed me on twitter (which you should btw :P), my gross and obvious regrowth is no longer visible. I got it redone last weekend. Hop over to my Facebook Page for the final result. :P

Have I mentioned how much I love Photobooth? 

Posing #LikeABoss #LikeAStar

So glad I decided to buy a dress half an hour before the event or else I would have looked like a fool with my high wasted shorts and a casual top. That's my FAV ASOS wedges btw. :)

The babes - Joelyn from TheSydneyGirl and Janice from ChaiGyaru

Top: Michelle (Cosmetic Cupcake), Angie (An Obsession With The Fabulous), Helen (SassyBella), Iantha (Bless This Mess)
Bottom: Janice (ChaiGyaru), Joelyn (TheSydneyGirl) and Yours Truly

With Joelyn <3 
(See what I mean by "cheat-me-wavy" hairdo fail? =.=")

The party continues at Hemisphere, Establishment, which was a fantastic venue! The ambience of Hemisphere was amazing, food was scrumptious and not to forget, the yummy cocktails! Most importantly, the company of my fellow bloggers. <3 Thanks REVLON for such a great night! 

REVLON Grow Luscious Pumping Mascara
* Pump lashes up to 200% instantly for maximum volume.
*Thickening formula instantly plumps lashes leaving them more voluminous with each use.
*Lash enhancing phyto-peptide formula conditions and strengthens lashes complementing their natural growth cycle. 
*Won't smudge, flake or clump


I wouldn't be able to give a full review as yet as I have only tried it for the past few days. Let me know if you wish to find out more about this mascara! :)


Do you go for volume or length when it comes to mascara?
Have you tried the new REVLON Grow Luscious Pumping Mascara?


PS: Don't forget to enter my Herbal Essence Giveaway if you haven't already. :)


Disclaimer: I was invited to the event as a guest by REVLON. The REVLON Grow Luscious Pumping Mascara was given to me as a gift.  For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies

XOXO,
A

Monday, November 14, 2011

KATE MOSS LASTING FINISH LIPSTICKS COLLECTION: REVIEW, SWATCHES & FOTD



Kate Moss and Rimmel London? Yes please! 


Yeap, you heard right - the ultimate London Girl and the edgy London make up brand are collaborating to bring hip and cool to a whole new level. This is Moss' first time developing her very own lipstick range, exclusively for Rimmel. 


Introducing you the brand new Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick Collection

I have been a fan of Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipsticks for a while (as can seen by my review/ swatches HERE). The formula is amazing - creamy and pigmented and it costs a fraction of the price of departmental lipsticks. Miss Moss gives the traditional Lasting Finish Lipstick a sensational twist, infusing it with her own inimitable touch of fashion and oh-so-effortless glamour.

Kate Moss' new collection is now infused with the Black Diamond - the unique extraordinary light-reflecting properties and adds depth and intensity in every shade. 

Putting all her experience on the runway, in the studio and on the red carpet into her collaboration with Rimmel, she created 9 stunning shades exclusively for the Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick Collection.


"My inspiration for this range was really to create a range of easy to wear, classic shades that I have always worn and loved. From bright reds, to soft pinks and nudes, there is a shade for everyone and any occasion. It was also really important for me that they were also comfortable to wear. Whatever your outfit there is sure to be a shade to match" Kate Moss on her new collection. 


I was lucky enough to be surprised with 4 of the Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick Collection at the office almost a month and a half ago, courtesy of Coty PR

The 4 gorgeous colours that were sent to me: L-R - #15, #11, #12, #05

Lets move on to the swatches and reviews, shall we?

SWATCHES:




#12


#12 is an orangey - coral shade, which definitely has the WOW factor! This is probably my favourite of all - the perfect spring/summer shade! Just wear this with a simple & natural EOTD or even just mascara and you are good to go! This colour is perfect to brighten up your mood when you are going through Monday Blues (which is pretty much weekly) or when you are having a shit day.  Trust me, a bold and bright lipstick helps.  

#05



#05 is a warm, strawberry pink shade, which is suitable for day-to-day wear. I adore this colour too, maybe just not as much as I do with #12. I tend to reach for #05 when I am feeling more conservative and am looking to go for the more "natural" look that doesn't scream "LOOK HERE".

#11



#11 is a stunning vampy red colour, which I think every girl should have in her collection, albeit I have a little confession here to make. I wasn't really fond on this colour when I first opened it as I am more of a bloody red girl when it comes to the red department. I can see myself reaching out for this colour more often in the future!

#15




#15 is more of a sheer formula, a brownish shade with maroon undertone and speckles and my least favourite out of the loot. The lip swatch above took me 3 swatches before it is somewhat opaque. I would only recommend this shade if you are looking for something really different to add to your collection. 

WHAT DO I THINK : 


PRODUCT: 
First up, definitely kudos to the range of colours offered, especially the super bright and vibrant ones. The formula is creamy and pigmented, which is triple (or quadruple) the brownie points as those were the key things I look into when rating a lipstick. Creamy because my lips is probably dryer than the Sahara desert and pigmented because I love super bright and vibrant colours (who doesn't?) As the name suggests, this formula is pretty long lasting - you're looking at around 4 hours. It lasted me through brekkie, coffee and morning tea. The colour on the centre of my lips did start to fade after morning tea and they are usually pretty vague by lunch time. 


PACKAGING: 
As you can tell from the picture above, the packaging for Kate Moss Lasting Finish Collection is nothing but sleek and chic. The packaging most certainly doesn't feel like cheap plastic and I absolutely adore Kate's "signature" printed in red. 


PRICING: 
At only $11.95 each, I don't think there's anything more to complain about the pricing. One MAC lipstick = 3 of these gorgeous babies. :P It's definitely worth every penny for the stunning colour and quality!


 FOTD with Kate Moss Lasting Finish Collection:

#5
#12
#11

Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick Collection is retailing at $11.95 each from Priceline, K Mart, Big W, David Jones, Coles, Woolworths and selected pharmacies nationally. 

Have you tried anything from the Kate Moss Lasting Finish Collection?
Which is your favourite?

Disclaimer: These lippies were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies

XOXO,
A

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