Sandpit Nail Polish by Alanna Renee - Oz Indie Polish

Today I would like to share with you all one of the Australian Indie polishes I recently picked up from Alanna Renee.

www.alanna-renee.myshopify.com

This is Sandpit and Alanna describes her inspiration for this polish as;

"Sandpit has a mix of blue and yellow shreds, large green hex glitter, large and small red hex glitter and small black, white and brown glitter in a creamy brown base.  It's supposed to look like children's toys partially buried in the sand."

Alanna recommends to apply a base coat first, then 2-3 coats of Sandpit, allowing the polish to slightly dry between coats and finish with a top coat.

I love this polish, from a distance it appears nude and doesn't look like there is much going on with your nails but once you get up close and take a good look you see just how busy it really is.  To me all these lovely crayon colours reminds me of a Kindy Art Room.  Makes me smile every time I wear it.

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One coat of Sandpit to show just how much you pick up with one layer.

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After 3 coats coverage is opaque and very very busy, don't you just love it!!

Personally, I prefer to wear only one or two coats with a different shade base coat.  Drying time is shorter and it's not as thick, base coat, 3 layers of polish and top coat is too much for me.  You don't have to apply a top coat but it is important if you want a smooth finish.

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OPI ~  Did you 'ear about Van Gogh with two layers of SandPit

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CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant ~ Toasted Almond and one coat of Sandpit

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Revlon Top Speed ~ Ocean and two coats of Sandpit.  This last one was a bit of an experiment, I wanted to see what would show through Sandpit if I used a completely different shade on the spectrum.  I was surprised by how opaque Sandpit was, a little of the Ocean shows through and I think it brightens the blue shreds but I am not enamoured by this blend.

This polish is thick with assorted hex glitter and it really isn't hard to apply, I did shake the bottle a little between each couple of nails just to keep the heavier hex mixed.  Sandpit stays wet long enough if you want to reposition the larger hex to your satisfaction.  I like to simply brush it on with no particular pattern because each nail is different and you just don't know what your going to find, chaotic and full of surprises just like a Kiddy's Sandpit!

Alanna if you read this I hope I did your polish justice as it is truly delightful and one of my favourites.

Alanna is one of the nicest Indie Polish makers I have come across and if you would like to visit her website and try her fantastic polishes for yourself please follow the link here.  Her polishes are $7.99 each, shipping is a flat $7 and FREE is you spend over $50 (Aus only).  These polishes are available internationally and you can find out more about that here.

I highly recommend you try this brand for yourself.  This is Alanna's latest collection and they are ALL gorgeous!!

www.alanna-renee.myshopify.com

Let me know what you think in the comments, I would love to hear from you.

LORAC Unzipped

A couple of months ago I splurged out and purchased the LORAC Unzipped palette and it would have to be my most go-to "nude" palette.

I purchased through Amazon.com and I paid $40US

www.amazon.com

Now the only thing I am going to compare to my other "nude" palettes is the size of the palette and the fact it was the only one that didn't come with an eye brush.  Each palette has it's merits and I love them all.

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LORAC Unzipped comes with 10 full-sized pans of eye shadow.  Six  satin/shimmer and four matte.  A large mirror in the lid and it is small enough to pack in my cosmetics bag for travelling without sacrificing colour range.  I don't mind that it doesn't have a brush because I rarely use the brushes that come with palettes anyway.

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Every one of these shades is useable and can be blended into many many combinations.  There is a good mix of light, medium and dark and would suit most skin tones.  Great subtle nudes by day that can be turned into a sultry smokey eye at night.

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These shades tend more to the gold, browns, plums and pinks which is OK by me because they are the shades I gravitate towards the most anyway.  There is not one shade in this palette I cannot use.  That's a big deal for me because usually I can only use 3-4 colours in any given palette.

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(top - l-r)   Undercover ~ Creamy White almost Matte slight Shimmer

Unbelievable ~ Peach Copper Shimmer

Unattainable ~ Taupe Gold Shimmer

Unconditional ~  Dusky Rose Brown Matte

Unbridled ~ Cocoa Berry Matte, very slight tinge of Deep Berry Red

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(bottom - l-r)   Undiscovered ~ Gold Shimmer

Unreal ~ Pink Shimmer

Uncensored ~ Brown Taupe Satin

Unspoken  ~ Brown Gold tinged Matte

Untamed ~ Cocoa matte, glows with a Deep Berry Satin finish

I applied these swatches fairly heavily because I wanted them to show up with my camera. they do apply lighter but can be built up to this incredible depth of colour as portrayed in these swatches.

Don't you just love the pattern, everything in the Unzipped palette begins with UN.

Every single one of these shades is richly pigmented, soft and creamy, they feel like silk to the touch.  I have not experienced any fall out, no chalkiness  and they are all very blendable.  Can be applied dry or wet and wet really intensifies the colour.

I feel if you are going to own any palette and are drawn to these shades this is definitely the palette for you, I don't think you would be disappointed. 

Do you own this palette or would you like too.  What are your favourite colours?  Or do you have another favourite 'nude' palette?  Please comment below I would love to hear from you.

OPI ~ OZ The Great and Powerful Collection

www.opi.net.au

This is OPI's limited edition release to celebrate the Disney Movie OZ The Great and Powerful.  Now while I do love all the shades in this collection, I wonder why there were no darker colours?  The closest was a rich Taupe Liquid Sand representing OZ (James Franco).  Lots of light soft shades but not an Emerald to be seen, I feel there needed to be some darkness and a bit of bite.  I would have liked to have seen a Black/Emerald Liquid Sand to represent Evanora (Rachel Weisz)  and a Deep Plum/Mulberry for Theodora (Mila Kunis).

In the following photos I apologise for some fuzziness my camera doesn't like glitter and no matter what I did I couldn't pick up the colour in the nudes until I put a layer of glitter on top as you will see in the last photos.

Don't Burst My Bubble ~ Palest of pale, pink it's almost white.

Three coats

Glints of Glinda ~ Creamy beige

Three coats

I Theodora You ~ Sheer Pink

Three coats

Don't Burst My Bubble- Glints of Glinda- I Theodora You

What Wizardry is This? ~ Textured Matte Taupe, this would have to be my favourite, has an old gold look about it.

Two coats

When Monkeys Fly ~ Large gold confetti which tends to curl at the edges, smaller holographic confetti, this one needs topcoat to seal the glitter.

One coat

Two coats

Which is Witch? ~ Silver glitter & bars with holographic sparkle, this is really pretty but nothing that hasn't been done before.

One Coat

Lights of Emerald City ~ Square white confetti on a base of gold/pink/purple/blue glitter.  Where is the Green? After all this is Emerald City were talking about.   This one better represents the Horse of a different colour!

One Coat

Glitter shades over nude bases.

1.                                  2.                                    3.

1.  Glints of Glinda & When Monkeys Fly
2.  I Theodora You & Lights of Emerald City
3.  Don't Burst My Bubble & Which is Witch?

The first two glitters really need to be positioned while wet or they clump together and it doesn't look so good.

And.... my favourite combination What Wizardry is this? & When Monkeys Fly.

Two coats Wizard & One coat Monkeys

Ok to sum it all up, great polishes love them all, but... for me they are too repetitive.   There should have been more variety of colour,  after all OZ is a very colourful place.  Three nude shades is two too many,  the glitters all have very similiar silver holographic bases with different coloured larger confetti thrown in and there should have been at least one polish with EMERALD!  Not a bit of green to be seen.

My favourites?  What Wizardry is This? ~ Glints of Glinda ~ When Monkeys Fly ~ Lights of Emerald City

What do you think of OPI's latest collection and which ones do you like?

Australis Cosmetics Haul

This week I purchased some goodies from the Australis website you can find them here

Australis is an Australian brand which produces high quality products all for under $20.  They don't test on animals which is hugely important to me.

I thought I would share with you all what I purchased because I was very happy with everything I received.

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Excuse the terrible lighting I was trying to catch the afternoon light through the window.

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(l-r)

1.   Paint the Town   ~  In the Navy
2.   Paint the Town   ~  Trackie Dacks
3.   Paint the Town   ~  Hoola
4.   Paint the Town   ~  Sky High
5.   Nail Crackle       ~  Duck Duck Goose
6.   Nail Glitter          ~ Glitter Strikes Back

In the Navy - Trackie Dacks - Hoola - Sky High - Glitter Strikes Back - Duck Duck Goose

In the Navy is used as a base for both Glitter Strikes Back and Duck Duck Goose

This is a better swatch for Sky High

Lips

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1.    Pout Paste ~  Pash Me Pink - Opaque Fuschia shade, wand applicator, just like
       OCC Lip Tar
2.    Lip Butter ~  Coral Reef, this is very sheer and applies clear but is moisturising
3.    Plumptastic Lip Gloss ~ Plumped

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Face and Body

Screen Siren matte ~ Flash It shimmer

1.    JUMBO Bronzer
2.    Ready Set Go Finishing Powder Translucent
3.    Paparazzi Perfect Blush in  Screen Siren matte and Flash It more of a light
       pink highlighter


I also received a free gift of Perfume Spray Get Your Rocks Off!!  A fruity combination of berry, coconut, mango and apricot.

Shipping is a flat $8.25 but if you spend over $50, shipping is FREE.  Cheaper than driving to the shops and if you know what you want a convenient way to shop.  My order was with me with in 4 days and everything was packed with great care and no breakages, you can't ask for more than that.

Australis have a competition running at the moment where you can win a $2000 Australis Cosmetics Collection, well worth entering, you can find the page here.  Entries close the 31st March so get in quick.  Sorry this is only open to Australian residents.


I will be doing more in-depth reviews of these products once I try them.  Please let me know what Australis products you have tried and liked in the comments below.

Jac x0x

Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish Collection

This is my New Zoya Pixie Dusts that arrived from the US.

Dahlia ~ Chyna ~  London ~  NYX, ~ Vespa, ~ Godiva

 Set of six 15ml polishes in the following shades all with sugar coated frosting.

     Dahlia ~ Black     Chyna ~ Red     London ~ Fog Grey

NYX ~ Periwinkle Blue    Vespa ~ Mint Green     Godiva ~ Soft Nude

NYX
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I immediately removed the polish I was wearing and replace it with the Zoya NYX.  This is a periwinkle blue textured with sugar sparkle and it is just gorgeous.

Applies easily, drys fast between coats, the formula is thin and coverage is good with two coats or one coat with a different base colour, the lightest three apply more sheer.

The following swatches are applied over a black polish base.

Dahlia ~ Chyna ~ London

I really liked the effect of the black under the three shades above.  My favourite here would have to be Chyna it looks fantastic over black.

NYX ~ Vespa ~ Godiva

The black base certainly darkened the shade of the three lighter colours but I think I would like to try blues, greens and browns as a base to bring out more of the Zoya shade.  You can just catch a hint of the original shade over the black but I would like to play it up more.  My favourite here would have to be NYX.

I just read that they are releasing a new edition over in the US in April, the colours are bright and summery and I think I will splurge and get them too.

(l-r) Solange, Beatrix, Destiny, Miranda, Stevie and Liberty

I don't think there is one colour I don't like in this collection, all the shades are very wearable.  I would love to know what you think of these polishes and which is your favourite.  Please leave a comment below.

OPI Liquid Sand Nail Polish ~ Stay the Night

My OPI nail polish arrived this week and of the three I purchased  I couldn't wait to try this one.

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Stay the Night is one of four liquid sand nail polishes available from the Mariah Carey range.

This is a textured matte polish with red glitter, I think it looks like volcanic rock that's cooling down so you can still see a glimmer of heat. .

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 Depending on the lighting I think the colour changes from black to charcoal and purple with red glitter.

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The texture is rough like sandpaper but once dry you can rub your nail and there is no fallout, I applied two coats and it didn't take long to dry.  What I did notice when I applied the gloss coat to my ring finger was that the polish was very thirsty and it ended up taking 4 coats before I achieved a glossy effect.  I am still not happy with the gloss finish and would like to see it smoother.  I really like the way the gloss enhances the colour of this polish, I just need to perfect the finish to my liking.

I was concerned due to the rough texture the polish might crumble off but I have been wearing it for two days and rubbing it with my finger, so far no wear or chipping except for the middle finger but I think that was application and I missed a bit.

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Being a dark polish you have to be very careful how you apply because it can get messy. Try to clean up before it dries because I found the sandy bits a little hard to remove from around the skin.  I usually use a little vaseline around the cuticles so the polish doesn't stick but I was in a rush and got lazy, I should have spent the extra time.  My nails look a bit messy in this photo but it's a good example to show why you should take a little extra time.

Other than that I really love this nail polish, I think it certainly looks vampy and people notice your nails.  I find it's a real good way to meet other like minded women who love to paint their nails, I rarely get out the shops these days without having a chat to someone about nail polish lol.......

There a four Liquid Sand Shades available, have you tried any, what did you think? Please let me know in the comments which is your favourite.

Stay the Night~Get Your Number`~Can't Let Go~The Impossible

I think I would like to try The Impossible next...

Korres Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipstick ~ Soft Pink

This is a review of one of the lip products I received in this month's Lip Factory box, you can read more about the beauty kit service here.

I am going to slowly review every product I received for you all.  I like to wear a product for a while to see how it stands up in different situations before I give my final verdict so these reviews may take a while.

Korres Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipstick in Soft Pink ~ This is my first Korres product ever, I have read some rave reviews about Korres so was very happy to be able to try this lipstick.

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Comes in a tube with a doe foot applicator, applies like a lipgloss but appears more like a creamy gloss lipstick.  Very cooling to the lips and drys to a non sticky glossy finish.

Has an oily feel but once it's on your lips it doesn't move or feather into your skin.

Definitely moisturising and didn't dry my lips out like lipstick tends too, so you get the best of both worlds here.  A lip gloss that acts like a lipstick.

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 It was a very dark rainy day here when I photographed these swatches, this is under a natural day lamp, the photo below is pointed more towards the lamp to catch the glossy effect.

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The colour is a gorgeous dusky rose and one of my favourite shades in lip products.

No flavour, and a subtle vanilla aroma.

Wearability is about average, I found myself freshening up my lip colour a few times a day, especially after I ate or had a cup of coffee.  The colour was still there, it hadn't travelled to the edges of my lips producing a ring like some do but the gloss just needed refreshing.

I really like this product, I prefer lip gloss and I am really happy to find one that works like a lipstick without drying my lips out, I would certainly repurchase and would be interested to try some different shades.

I did find a trio here at Cosmetics Now in Soft Pink, Fuschia and Berry for $24.95 plus free shipping.  If anyone knows where else they can be purchased  in Australia please leave a comment below.

Below is some more details of Korres Liquid Lipstick for those that like to know specifics;

Korres offers products that avoid harsh chemicals, chemical sunscreens, artificial colours, chemical-based preservatives and synthetic fragrances wherever possible.

Korres Natural Products is committed to developing natural skincare, bath and body and hair care products through the use of soothing natural ingredients, such as evening primrose, aloe vera and almond oil. Korres boasts a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners, body lotions, facial moisturisers, eye creams, masks and kits

Formulated with a unique technology that turns this water based formula into a moisturising light oil in order to reach the perfect balance of wear and comfort.

• Long Lasting and vibrant colour
• Nourishes and moisturises lips
• Antioxidant protection
• Fresh / light / cooling sensation on the lips due to the high percentage of water
• Contains Raspberry and Pomegranate extracts which are rich in antioxidant

So that's about it, I am really pleased with my first introduction to Korres.

Please leave a comment below and let me know of any Korres products you love.

Lip Factory Beauty Kit March 2013

I recently subscribed to the Lip Factory from the US and received my first box today.  I am so excited by this box and everything I received I couldn't wait to share it with you all.

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This was my box when it arrived, the outer box a thick cardboard postal box and when I opened it I found a smaller box inside with some black packing.  And now for the exciting bit this is what was in my box this month.

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I received a Welcome card and a card describing the box.   The best bit though, I found six yes SIX  full-sized lip products, a lip brush and 1 sample all for $22US + $10US shipping.  $32 and I received all these amazing goodies.  The total value of this box for the six full-sized items is $79.50US + the sample.  I know some of these products would probably cost more to purchase in Australia if they are available, so even with the extra shipping this is a totally worth it box.

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Every four months they have an "all about the lips" box which just so happens to be this month, they are predominantly a lip sample service but they do sample cosmetics and skincare too.  It is very easy to subscribe and they accept PayPal as well as credit cards and they DO ship internationally.

The do have profiling and I received a good selection of shades.  Lipsticks, lip pencils, lip gloss and the colours ranged from pink to a deep berry.  I liked that I received products from companies I hadn't sampled before, I love trying new stuff.

If you would like to subscribe or just find out some more information you can go visit their website here

Here is a more indepth description of what I received;

March Beauty Kit

Be a Bombshell  Cosmetics Lip Gloss  $14 ~ Kiss Off ~ sparkle gloss

A lip gloss formula that offers long lasting color and high shine.
​

​OFRA Cosmetics Lipstick  $13 ~ Berry Sexy ~lipstick

A moisturizing formula enriched with anti-oxidants, Vitamin E and natural sunscreen.

Korres Liquid lipstick  $22 ~ SOFT PINK ~ liquid gloss

Cooling, water-based liquid lipstick with the creamy texture of a lip gloss with the long lasting, vibrant finish of a lipstick. Only available in Europe and shipped in just for you!

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil $4.50 ~ Hera ~ lip pencil, metallic berry

It’s double or nothing with this lip liner and lipstick in one. NYX’s masterful Jumbo Lip Pencils infuse lips with alluring, nourishing color, and help you create a precision pout. Line, define and color with one jumbo pencil. The formula does not dry out your lips and it goes on smoothly.

LASplash Diamond Lip Gloss $7.00 ~ Forbidden ~ diamond lipgloss

Bold, vibrant, and intense innovative pigmented long-wearing formula

Designer Skin Lip Shimmer  $9 ~ Must Have ~ lip shimmer click pen

Brilliant shine meets luxurious color in this shade. Drench your lips in mesmerizing color, while Vitamin E and essential fatty acids help to nourish and condition for pout perfection! Each Lips Shimmer is formulated to be high-shine, long wearing and non-sticky. The unique click pen packaging is purse-friendly and allows for precise application!



Lip Factory Lip Brush  $10

Provides more control and precise application of your favorite lipstick or gloss.

Dermalogica Renew Lip Complex  sample size  - RRP$26 (Full size)

Apply this moisturizing lip treatment as needed to infuse lips with a smoothing, moisturizing blend of Avocado Oil and Shea and Cocoa Seed butters.

Below is what was in January and February's boxes to give you an idea of the variety.



January

Cult Nails Nail Lacquer

Naked Cosmetics Advanced Skin Cream

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder

ELF Eyebrow Stencil Kit

Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisturizer Sample or

Intellishade Tinted Moisturizer

Dermalogica Special Cleaning Gel Sample

Too Cosmetics Two Lips Gloss

​

Bonus: Senna Lip Pics Lacquer

Extras:

Beauty So Clean Sanitizer Wipes

Brow Brushes

February

29 Cosmetics Hint of Honey or Wine Blot Lip Therapy

29 Cosmetics Reserves Lip Stick in Stompin Grapes or Napa Juice

Nabi Cosmetics Liner

29  Cosmetics Faux Leather Lipstick Case

LaSplash Cosmetics Hula Hula Mineral Powder Eye Shadow

La Splash Cosmetics Black Sea Mineral Powder Eye Shadow

La Splash Cosmetics Oyster Shell Mineral Powder Eye Shadow 

29 Cosmetics Skin Care Sample

Extra:

Mini Kabuki Brush

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well for my first box, I am really happy with the contents.  I received notification that the box had been sent on the 11th and it arrived on the 20th March, so there really isn't that long to wait, everything arrived well packed and in perfect condition.

I haven't used all the products yet but I will update as I try each one and let you know.

If there is anything else you would like to know just ask me in the comments and I will reply.