Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Textured Nail Colour ~ Tweedy

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

I recently reviewed another Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Textured Nail Colour ~ All Yarned Up ~ you can read that review here.

I picked up Tweedy last weekend and thought I would do a few swatches for you AND for Lily at Trick of Fate who really likes all my colour combinations.

3 coats ~ 2 coats ~1 coat
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I really like these polishes and think they look best from a distance because you get that fuzzy knitted look. The polish lasts well and I didn't experience any chipping, I did wear top coat on my nails to seal in all the little pointy bits otherwise they catch on your clothing.

All the following swatches are with one coat of Tweedy and sealed with topcoat.

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mirenesse ~ Bullet Proof Nail Lacquer ~ Flapper Pash ~ This would be my favourite combination, I really like the hot pink with this swatch.

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(l-r)

camouflage colour  ~ Chili Red ~ MUD ~ hello yellow

MUA ~ Love Hearts ~ I Want U

Seeing as it's the middle of winter in Oz these bright shades make me feel warm just looking at them!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

(l-r)

 Rimmel ~ Sky High ~ Sally Hansen ~ lustre shine ~ Azure ~ essence ~ free hugs 

I really like the combination of Sky High and free hugs.  What's your favourite combination?

Femme Fatale Shimmering Snowcap

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

I have been having so much fun with this nail polish this week and I just wanted to share it with you all.  

I recently picked up a bottle of Femme Fatale Shimmering Snowcap Nail Polish.  You can find out more about them here on their website.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Ok, this is my photo with two coats of SS but there are a few better ones here if you would like to take a look, mmm I need practice.  With my attempt I'm thinking less Shimmering Snowcaps more Coconut Ice lol.....

I then decided to fool around with a few different base shades and I was quite happy with the results, what do you think?

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Femme Fatale have a gorgeous range of Indie nail polishes and I'm like a kid in a lolly shop when I visit their website, I want one of everything!

Which is your favourite combination?  Let me know what you think and if you have any favourite Femme Fatale Polishes.

Mirenesse Glamm Box Review March 2013

Wow I can't believe we are into March already, this year is flying by.........

Once again I ordered the three available Glamm boxes from Mirenesse.  For those that don't know these are a monthly box priced at $15 each and you can order Makeup, Skin Care or Mixed boxes,  or like me you can order all three.  You can find out more about them here.

This month I received;

MAKEUP - 3 items

SEAMLESS VELVET SHADOW - Greek Goddess - RRP$24.95, VIP$19.96
24hr BROW LIFT AND SHAPE MASCARA - 4.5g RRP$35, VIP$28
SEXY SECRET EYE PRIMER - 1.5g - RRP$10.95, VIP$8.76

SKINCARE - 3 items

VELVET MAXISCULPT COLLAGEN GELE MINI - 10g RRP$27.95, VIP$22.36
WHIPPED MOISTURE FILL - Filling Luminser - 10g RRP$19.95, VIP$15.96
ENDLESS YOUTH AMAZING DAY BOTANICAL CELL SERUM - 5g RRP$15.95, VIP$12.76

MIXED - 4 items

SEAMLESS VELVET SHADOW - Italian Model -  RRP$24.95, VIP$19.96
TOUCH ON CONCEALER - Ivory Pink RRP$29.50, VIP$23.60
POWERLIFT FOAM CLEANSER - 10g RRP$8.95, VIP$7.16
ABSOLUTELY RADIANT TINTED MOISTURISER - Opal Pearl - 10g RRP$5.95, VIP$4.76

OK that's the three boxes available (even though they are in bags) this month.

I was really happy to see the Brow lift as I was looking for an eyebrow filler.  The eyeshadows were a nice surprise too, I already have Greek Goddess but the Italian Model looks good.  Everything else I already have too but not a bad selection this month if you are looking to try some Mirenesse products for yourself.

Please leave a comment below to let me know what you think of these boxes I would love to hear from you.

Mirenesse Glamm Box Review February 2013

Today I received February's Glamm Boxes from Mirenesse.  There are three boxes available at $15 each, Makeup, Mixed and Skincare.

MAKEUP - 2 items this month.

SP Diamond Collection Lip Minis - RRP $51.80 - VIP $41.42 - Flash Sale $23.57

Contains travel sized;

Velvet Lip Lift Moisture Shine 1.5g in Gold Rose, Anemone, Bird of Paradise and Platinum.

AUTO EYE/LIP LINER DUET - Ebony/Rose - RRP $35 VIP $28

This is a double ended waterproof Black eyeliner and Rose lip liner.


I think there was a bit of overkill on the lips this month, I would have liked to have seen some more of their other makeup range.  A nice blush, highlighter or even a bronzer instead.

MIXED MAKEUP/SKINCARE - 3 items this month.

VIVA ETERNAL GLOSS - Play Bunny - RRP $29.95 - VIP $23.96

Very Red and lots of sparkles.

PURIFY EYE & LIP MAKEUP REMOVER  10g mini RRP $9.95 - VIP $7.96

Tried it already don't like it, this is a very small sample that I used all in one go last time and it STILL didn't remove all my eye makeup.  Only positive, didn't make my eyes sting.

TIGHT LINER HYDRA GEL EYE LINER - Caviar Black - RRP $29.95 - VIP $24.96

SKINCARE - 3 items this month.

POWER CLEAR D-BLEMISH HYDRATION SERUM - RRP $12.95 - VIP $10.09

Gentle moisturiser for blemish prone skin.

POWER LIFT MULTI ACTION SILK CLEANSER 10g  - RRP$7.95- VIP $6.36 

Nice cleanser but so repetitive, it comes as a freebie in just about every order.   Please Mirenesse if these boxes are to entice customers to buy something different put something different in the box!

POWER LIFT WRINKLE ZERO DAY REFINING SERUM  10g - RRP $42.50 - VIP $34

Wow I can't believe how expensive two teaspoons of serum can be!

FREE GIFT FOR SPENDING OVER $40

DIAMOND COLLECTION LIP MINIS 1.5g each - Rose Musk, Peach Glow, Strawberry Frost & Rose.  RRP $51.80 - VIP - $41.42 - FLASH SALE - $23.57

Well that's it for this month.  I seem to have received an over abundance of Lip gloss, I would like Mirenesse to throw in some products I might not think of purchasing and tempt me, please!

Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think of these boxes or if your thinking of purchasing them for yourself.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Mirenesse Makeup Brushes Review

Recently I purchased some of the makeup brushes available from Mirenesse.

Powder - Blush -Foundation- Face Brushes
Smudge- Contour -Crease- Eyeliner- Eye Brushes
Cheek & Shadow Brush Duet with Caps

You can purchase these brushes individually or you can purchase in sets or as part of makeup kits.  I recommend that you purchase as part of a makeup kit because they are the best value.

Extremely well made professional looking brushes made with Taklon synthetic hair.  I have had no fall out from any of these brushes and they can be used with powder and creams.  Super soft bristles, picks up product effortlessly with even application and no streaks.  They are just the right size to hold and are easy to use.  Each brush is labelled with it's specific use but if you are like me who grabs the nearest brush they are interchangeable.

I actually like these better than my Sigma brushes.  Is that heresy??  I love my Sigma brushes honestly but I like these better.

Special mention are the Cheek & Shadow Brush Duets with Caps.  These are so handy to keep in your travelling makeup bag or even your handbag.  The caps keep the brushes clean and they don't come loose.  Both brushes are of a good size which makes them very usable, the blush brush is angled.  I own three sets of these and they would have to be my most used brushes.  You can also purchase a Powder & Concealer Duet but they are sold out at the moment so I don't have one to show you.

Mirenesse do have some other brushes available and some really good deals if you purchase as part of a set please go look here for more information.  Prices vary and the best deals are definitely when you purchase with makeup, after all the brushes are no good unless you have makeup to use them with, right?

Anyway I love my Mirenesse brushes I think you will too if you try them.

Please have a look at my blog on How to Clean your Brushes here.

I would love to hear from you please leave a comment below.

Mirenesse VIP Beauty Box

Today I received my Mirenesse VIP bi-monthly FREE beauty box.

                                              www.matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

For those that don't know this is how it works.  For $25 per month you receive a VIP membership which entitles you to a FREE beauty box every two months, a $25 monthly voucher off a $65 purchase, free shipping, up to 80% discount every day and special VIP only offers.  I think that if you really like to use Mirenesse that this a terrific membership.

This is my second month as a VIP so this was my first FREE beauty box.

I received three items, all full-size and what I liked best of all was the 'letter' which introduces and explains each product.

This month's box was titled;

SIMPLY FLAWLESS - 3 Magic Steps for a Nude Glow

Take on 2013 with a new confidence & a new look!  Be fabulous, confident & comfortable in your own skin all year round with your Simply Flawless Skin Perfecting Kit.

Sounds good!!  So what did I receive?

                                         www.matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au


1. THE ILLUSIONIST - Magic Touch BB Foundation - Vienna 40g - RRP $49.50 - VIP $39.60.

 

www.mirenesse.com

This foundation very much reminds me of Korean BB creams which I absolutely love they are far superior to the western ones.  Gel like consistency which goes on smoothly to provide light to medium coverage and will last all day.  I have this in Vanilla which is a shade lighter and I love it so I know I will like this one too, both shades are suitable for light-medium skintones.  Sponge applicator which is removable for those of us that prefer to apply with our fingers, there is also a mirror on the lid which comes in very handy I have found (you can just see it there).

2.  HIGH DEFINITION POWER - Touch on Concealer - Golden Cream 8g - RRP $29.50 - VIP $23.60.

Conceals and hydrates while minimising lines and concealing shadows and blemishes.  This is quite a bright concealer which would work well as a highlighter and would definitely brighten your under eye area.  Comes in two shades Ivory Pink and Golden Cream.  Great tube applicator just squeeze a little on your finger and pat into the skin where needed.

Golden cream is a light yellow based concealer which is good for brightening your complexion and reducing the appearance of dark circles.


LUXURIOUS & LUSTROUS - Viva Eternal Gloss - Show Girl 8g - RRP $29.95 - VIP $23.96.

This is a neutral pink shade infused with opalescent glitter.  Can't say I am a big fan of glitter but I love Mirenesse Lip Gloss formulas.  They always glide on easy, non sticky, moisturising and long lasting.  Nice fruity sweet flavour and the first time I have used a glitter lip gloss where the glitter didn't feel gritty on my lips.

Overall I am very happy with my first VIP Beauty Box.

www.mirenesse.com  - Ship internationally

Love to hear what you think, please leave a comment below.

The importance of Facial Masks for mature skin

In my last blog I talked about the importance of exfoliating mature skin here.

This goes in hand in hand with applying a good facial mask straight after.

Why?

Because at no other time will your skin more readily absorb effectively what you put on it, a facial mask is like a vitamin pill for your skin.

Facial masks can de-toxify, absorb excess oil, shrink pores,  increase circulation, replenish nutrients, hydrate and overall tighten and tone your skin.  There are masks for every type of skin and concern you may have.

The best time I find for applying a mask is when I am doing a conditioning hair treatment and my hair is up off my face.

Firstly I exfoliate removing that dead layer of skin cells, a good exfoliate cream or sponge with cleanser works well.  This is beneficial as it allows the mask to be more deeply absorbed into your skin.

 I apply a facial mask and just relax for 15 minutes.

Another important step for me is to apply a hydrating eye cream along with my mask.  Face masks are NOT suitable for the fragile eye area, ONLY  use eye specific products.

Any eye cream you have will do but one I like to use on my mini spa days is;

REVIVA Eye Gelee -  this is a cooling gel which contains Aloe, Cucumber, Collagen and Elastin which helps combat puffiness whilst hydrating.  Available from iHerb.com.

www.iherb.com

Once you have finished relaxing, jump in the shower and rinse the whole lot off.  Take the opportunity whilst in the shower to exfoliate with a body scrub or loofah.

Don't forget to tone your skin with a splash of cold water to close up all those pores and continue your usual skin care routine.

Some face masks that I am loving...............

ANDALOU Naturals Avo Cocoa Skin Skin Food Mask - This appeals to the Chocolate Addict in me.  Apply to your face,  lay back, breath deeply and float away to Chocolate Heaven.  Cocoa and Avocado anti-oxidant rich, repairs, protects and moisturises.

www.iherb.com

This is available from www.iherb.com, for a discount off your first order apply this code at checkout; TUW872.  iHerb do ship internationally with very reasonable rates.

DERMALOGICA  Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque - Vitamin rich masque, this one really is a vitamin pill for the skin.

www.dermalogica.com

Leaves your skin hydrated and absolutely glowing.

MIRENESSE Endless Youth Ocean Milk Mousse Mask - Now this is a fairly new mask that I have started to use, I must admit I have never used anything like it before.  I have added it here because it is worthy of a mention for those busy times when we don't have time to relax but our skin could do with a quick boost.

www.mirenesse.com

This is a five minute mask which you apply to a clean dry face ( I like to use this in the morning before I apply my makeup for a quick boost).  It's the strangest mask and I have never experienced anything like it in my life.  Once you apply it to your face it starts to fizz and bubble, it feels really ticklish.  The idea is based on Oxygen therapy which "gives life back" to dull, damaged skin.  Also contains rare red algae which cleanses, tightens and hydrates.  I was very sceptical when I first tried this mask but it DOES work, after I rinsed my face I noticed my skin looked brighter, hydrated and felt smoother.   Definitely a good mask when you want a pick me up but don't have the time for a full on mask treatment.

Okay the last one I want to mention is a totally natural product which I have been using for years, it's cheap and available all year round.

AVOCADO - can be used on its own or mashed up with honey, egg whites, banana, natural yoghurt, oats etc..... can be used for all skin types but is especially good for mature dry skin and hair.

Avocado contains monounsaturated oil and is rich in vitamins and minerals so whether you eat it or slather it on your skin it's doing you good.  Leaves your skin feeling moisturised and oh so soft.

I thoroughly recommend that your exfoliate and face mask at least once a week.  It's not only good for your skin but if you take the time to pamper yourself and relax it's good for your mental wellbeing too.  As a mother of four sons sometimes you just need a little time out.

Please don't forget to comment, I would love to hear what works for you.

Everything Orange

For the past few months I have been attracted to items that are Orange.

I don't know why but I just love the look and smell of orange citrus in my cosmetics, hair and skincare products.

If it smells of oranges, looks orange or has orange on the label I want it.

It's really weird, I know.  It isn't even close to be being my favourite colour.

Here are some Orange products I have been loving so far..............

MUA- Makeup Academy - I Want U -  Nail Polish

www.muastore.co.uk

I have it on my toes right now!!

CLINIQUE - Chubby Stick - Oversized Orange - Lip Balm

www.clinique.com.au

Looks quite bright but applies sheer. it's more peach toned with a slight glossy frosting.

BENEFIT - Cha Cha Cha Tint - Cheek and Lip Stain

www.benefitcosmetics.com

 

Now straight out the bottle this looks orange but it dries to a beautiful peachy/coral hue, looks great on summer skin and lips.

LIME CRIME - 6th Element - Orange Liquid Eyeliner

www.limecrimemakeup.com

Now this is Fanta Orange and I am not bold enough to wear a complete orange look on my eyes but orange enhances the blue in my eyes so I am not adverse to wearing a little of this close to my lashes.

MIRENESSE - Power Lift Micro Dynamic Foam Cleanser - contains Organic Orange Oil

www.mirenesse.com

This Facial cleanser smells divine, just like oranges.  Does a great job of cleansing your skin without drying it out too.

NOW SOLUTIONS - Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser - AM Fine Line Smoothing & Repair - Mature Skin

www.iherb.com

Now Solutions have a range of skincare for mature skin and they ALL have this wonderful Orange Citrus aroma.  Super moisturising and they work really well on dry mature skin.  I purchase mine from www.iherb.com and my gift to you,  if you use the following code: TUW872 at the checkout,  you will receive a discount with your first purchase and they do ship internationally.

ANDALOU NATURALS - Moisture Rich Styling Cream -Sweet Orange and Argan

www.iherb.com

This is a lovely leave in hair conditioner that leaves your hair smelling divine, you only need a little to moisturise and smooth your hair.   I also purchased this from iHerb.

AUBREY - Creme de la Shave -Orange Shave Cream

www.iherb.com

This a a beautiful moisturising natural shaving cream for you legs.  My husband also uses this for his face as he is sensitive to shaving soap.  A little goes a long way, lubricates and softens hairs for a close shave.  This is also an iHerb purchase, in fact I can go a little bit mad shopping there as they have so many orange products.

PURE FIJI - Nourishing Exotic Oil - Orange Blossom

www.purefiji.com

This oil can be used as a hair treatment, massage oil, moisturiser and my favourite is to apply it after shaving my legs.  Leaves your skin smooth, supple and smelling oh so good.

URBAN RITUELLE - Cocoa Butter Vegetable Soap - Mango

www.urbanrituelle.com

I know it's not technically Orange but look at that colour!

MAURA AND WIRTZ - Acqua Colonia - Cologne - Blood Orange and Basil

www.4711.com

I know Basil right?   But it just works, refreshing splash on a hot day, I love this fragrance.

So there you go that is some of my favourite Orange goodies that I am loving at the moment.

Please don't forget to leave a comment, I would love to hear what some of your favourites are.

One of my favourite artists also loved to use Orange in his paintings, I just love the vivid colours.

Still Life With Basket and Six Oranges 1888 ~ Vincent Van Gogh


There is no blue without yellow and without orange ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Mirenesse Magic Moments Holiday Collection

Mirenesse recently had a SALE.

One of the items I purchased was this Magic Moments Holiday Collection.  It just about contains everything you need for a complete look, Primer, Foundation, Eyeshadow, Blush, Eyeliner, Lipstick, Gloss, Makeup Brushes and a Bag.  The only thing that was missing was Mascara, add that and this collection would be perfect.

RRP $557.05 - VIP $477.47 - FLASH SALE $120

• Magic Touch Foundation SPF15 40g
• Invisible Fill Makeup Airbrush Line Filling Mattifier SPF10 Mini 10g
• Whipped Moisture Fill SPF10 Mini 10g
• Eye and Lip Brush 5Pce Set
• Pearl Crush Creaseless Shadow 4g 5. Bora Pearls
• Pearl Crush Creaseless Shadow 4g 4. Akoya Pearls
• Cheeky Blush Long Wear Minerals 2.5g 1. Paris Peach
• Superlong Wear Gel Mineral Face Colour 4g 19. Toffee Mousse
• Superlong Wear Gel Mineral Face Colour 4g 6. Virgin Violet
• French Kiss Lip Cocktail 4.5g 7. Bijoux
• French Kiss Lip Cocktail 4.5g 1. Orgassm
• Viva Eternal Gloss Long Wear 3D Mineral Lip Colour 8g 4. Disco Diva
• Cat Eyes Liner Pencil + Smudger 2g 5. Chartreux Mauve
• Cat Eyes Liner Pencil + Smudger 2g 2. Siamese Blue
• Boutique M Diamond Drops Bag

I'm not going to show all 15 pieces just some of the ones that stood out for me.  This is such good value, I think for me after the disappointment of January's Glamm Boxes I might just purchase these great collections from now on, they definitely seem to be of better value.

I only paid $78 for this collection because Mirenesse were having a 35% off store wide sale.   I took advantage of their FLASH SALE and the extra discount made this purchase even better value.

The only items I wasn't really interested in receiving were the Pearl crush eye shadows because I already have them.

The Boutique M Diamond Drops Bag.  RRP $39.95 - VIP $31.96

This is a gorgeous faux black leather fully lined make-up bag.  I was surprised as I wasn't expecting it to be of such good quality,  it is really well made.   Perfect size to throw into your luggage, holds all the cosmetics it came with plus some.  Looks very swish!

Eye and Lip Brush Set.  RRP $99 - VIP $79.20

I was really surprised when I first saw these brushes,  they are travel size.  Made from synthetic Taklon fibre they are very soft, tapered and seem well made.  Included is a Lip brush, Smudge brush, Contour brush, Crease brush and Eyeliner Brush.   The only true test is to use them for a while to see if they stand up to daily use.  Would have been nice if they came in a protective wrap, I don't like the idea of them rattling around loose in your bag.  I don't know if they are worth the RRP as nice as they are, it works out to $19.80 per brush.

Superlong Wear Gel Mineral Face Colour RRP $39.95 - VIP $31.96

Shade #6 Virgin Violet

Now these are special.  A mineral gel that can be applied to your face as Eyeliner-Highlighter-Blush-Eyeshadow-Lipstick.

Shade #19 Toffee Mousse

The two shades I received above have a beautiful opalescent sheen with lots of sparkle. For such a pigmented purple it can be applied quite sheer and the toffee is golden beige, makes a great all over eye or lip colour.

Mirenesse claim this product is a 24hr long wearing, transfer proof, water proof and crease proof.  It is definitely transfer proof, I swatched some on my arm and it hasn't budged, faded and won't wash off with water!

It feels gorgeous, very light to apply, goes on wet and dries to a fine finish.  The colour is buildable from a sheer swipe to a much deeper shade.  The shades can be mixed to invent your own colour combinations, this is a really wonderful product, I am going to have to get me some more of these!

Comes with a built in brush in the lid great for eyelining not so much for all over application, I actually preferred using my finger.

French Kiss Lip Cocktail RRP $29.59 - VIP $17.68 - FLASH SALE $8.99

 I received Orgassm a very nice creamy matte nude.

Bijoux a blue based Ruby, I like blue based lipstick they make your teeth look whiter.  This lipstick range is named after Cocktails.

Gel based lipsticks containing 90% less wax that go on very smoothly and hardly feel like your wearing lipstick at all.  I didn't experience any feathering, great non-sticky formula and very pigmented colour.  I don't normally like to wear lipstick but these are very nice.  The Bijoux is a little too much for me but you can layer and lighten with other lipstick or lipgloss always!  Mirenesse describe this range as 3D and light reflecting, I found these two shades to be quite matte and only the Bijoux had a small amount of glossiness.

Magic Touch Foundation RRP $49.50 - VIP $39.60

I love Mirenesse foundations, I haven't tried one yet I didn't like.  I love that they only have four shades to choose from it's far less confusing.  My perfect match is Vanilla as I am very fair.  Mirenesse foundations are also available in Vienna, Mocha and Bronze.  Another neat trick I use in Summer if I want more colour to my face is to mix Vanilla and Vienna together.

This is a 40g tube of mineral foundation with a sponger applicator which I never use.  Luckily you can remove the sponge and apply with your fingertips.

What I really like about this foundation is that it gives good moisturising natural coverage and it lasts all day even in summer.  This foundation just doesn't budge until you want it too.


So overall I am really really very happy with this collection, super value, I will certainly be keeping my eye open for more deals like this.