UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencils

Under the microscope tonight (the theoretical 'makeup microscope' because it would probably be pointless otherwise lol) are the Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencils.

I was originally attracted to these because from the picture they looked very similar to the NARS Matte Lip Pencils (and hence I will be comparing somewhat). I have had a big crush on NARS 'Bolero' for aaaages and I was thinking "maybe they have something similar!". The colours I chose were Bouquet (thinking it would be similar to Bolero) and Zinfandel (because I can't bypass anything coral-y coloured! lol).

The second thing (that helped me hit the buy button) is that they are food grade... SAFE TO EAT! YAY! (not that you purposely go munching your lippy like you're on 'My Strange Addiction' but you do consume some while licking your lips/eating etc). They also contain Reservatrol (an antioxidant found in red grapes/wine!) - using up this lip pencil is the equivalent of 5 glasses of red wine! (but without the hangover! haha)

They finally arrived (yay!) and I have spent today testing them out to report on my findings! Weight wise they are 2.5gms (good compared to NARS which is 2.4gms for AUD$39). The cap is just a basic pull-off cap but it stays on pretty well (unlike the NARS one, which seems to get an air-pressure build up and pop off).



NARS Dragon Girl (Top), Bite Zinfandel (Middle) and Bite Bouquet (Bottom)

You can see why I thought they may be similar! (Especially when shopping on the internet!)

Zinfandel (Top) and Bouquet (Bottom)



Both feel very smooth and creamy to apply and have a glossy finish (but not lip gloss glossy!). After a few hours of wear, they do feel a little drying (but please take that statement with a grain of salt... my lips have been HORRENDOUSLY dry lately so everything feels terrible!). Bouquet seems to stay put pretty well (no touch up required after initial application and a choccy drink! lol). It left a bit of a pink stain too, so your lips still looked like they had a bit of colour applied, even though most had worn off. They also smell a bit fruity (only slightly) when you put them on, and have no noticable taste (lip products that have a strong taste/smell are a big dislike of mine!).



Bouquet (Top) and Zinfandel (Bottom)



In the interest of dutiful reporting, I have also worn Zinfandel to test it out. It is more red than I was expecting... I think it's one of those ones that will play a trick depending on the light you're in - sometimes it'll be more red, sometimes more coral (but that is ok!). It also leaves behind a decent stain so if you get to touch up straight away (I blotted mine off becuase I didn't want to end up with a coral coloured dinner!). I quite rate this colour too (but it doesn't suit today's eye makeup at all!).

Today, you also get the luxury of seeing the products in action! (a.k.a pics of me wearing them - proof I was testing them out!).



Bouquet



Zinfandel

Bouquet is a nice bright pale pink (I know bright pale is a bit of a contradiction but it really is a pale pink that has that bit of kick!). It's great if you want a plain lip but still want that punch of colour! Zinfandel, as you can see from the two swatches, seems to have a mind of its own. It comes up a bit more yellow in the photos, but on my hand, I would not call it yellow based! It's like a blue-toned red with a good streak of orange. It's pretty awesome! (and for those wondering... Zinfandel is nothing like NARS Dragon Girl - DG is darker and more pink based!).



What's also awesome about these (particularly compared to the Nars pencils), aside from them being food grade, is that they WIND UP... YES! THEY WIND UP!! I was ridiculously excited when I found this out... Why? Less wastage! (Worst part about the Nars pencils are that they need sharpening... More wastage! *sad face*). Because they are pencil-y shaped, you also get a bit more precision too! (I recommend these if you are a bit clumsy with a lipstick!). This makes them a great buy as a NARS alternative!

I purchased my HPP from ozsale.com.au (I had vouchers to burn... score!). They are worth about AUD$36 (I paid $21 each for mine though). You can buy some Bite Beauty products from lipstickrepublic.com.au, but at this stage they don't have the pencils! You may find other sites that sell them, but none that I have bought from (and can report on!). Ozsale (for those who don't know) have a heap of different brands on sale, but each only for a few days at a time (so no Bite at the moment but they may come back!).

Until next time, don't eat too much lipstick! haha.

Love,

Your PM xx

How I Clean My Brushes!

Brushes are tools of the trade for a makeup artist (and a painter... but i'm digressing) and looking after them is imperative - not only so they last a long time but so you get good results from your makeup application!

In this post I will share with you the products I use to keep my brushes clean. Brush wise, I have a mish-mash of brushes from different brands and I don't necessarily use them for their specific purpose. For example, I have a flat blending brush that I use for application of dark colours to my crease. It's about finding what works best for your own individual makeup routine. Usually, you get what you pay for! (But as with makeup, there can be that well priced hidden gem!)

My brush cleaning routine is rather basic. I have an in-between clean method and a deep-clean method.

I use the Napoleon Perdis Brush Cleaner for in-between cleaning. I really like it's lavender scent (it contains Lavender Oil) and it does clean quite well! I especially like it for when I am changing colours (i.e I was using blue and then I change to gold) because it dries quickly and you're not left with a soggy brush!

Napoleon Perdis' Brush Cleaner

Lately, there has been much debate on the intarwebz about the Sigma Beauty Brush Cleaning gloves. Mostly, the issue has been price (they are US$39). I was planning to buy one, and went cold when they were planning to charge me about $20 for shipping for the glove and a couple of brushes. I planned to keep my eyes out for an alternative and it wasn't until a random shopping trip to Spotlight that I stumbled across an oven-gloved one!

One reason I wanted a glove was because I felt like cleaning brushes in my hands was not effective and not really giving the brushes the deep clean they really need. This silicone glove cost me a whopping $9.09 (got it for 30% off... score!). The brand is "d-line" I was appealed to it because of the grooves it in of varying sizes. I thought the larger ones could be good for bigger brushes, and the smaller ones for those finer eye brushes. (and if you are cooking while you clean your brushes, you won't need to swap gloves! haha).

D-line Silicon Oven Mitt (a.k.a New Brush Cleaning Glove!)

Well, I have FINALLY got around to using it and colour me impressed! I used a squirt of my body wash (note to self: buy some baby shampoo for brush cleaning!) and scrubbed away... It worked a treat!! I rinsed the brush and soaped it back up and suprisingly... pretty clean! Usually it takes a few goes when I clean brushes in the palm of my hand! What is also awesome, it didn't take much time or effort to get it that clean either! A definite time saver!

I certainly recommend you try a glove to clean your brushes! Whether you use the original Sigma one (if you do, let me know what you think!) or a oven-glove alternative, you could find it very time saving! I certainly have (and hopefully it works for you too!). I also recommend a brush cleaning spray for in-between uses. (I do use Napoleon's, but there are SO many on the market so find one that you like!) 

Happy cleaning!

Love,

Your PM xx

It's Called WHAT?!

**Polished Makeup would like to advise that reader discretion is advised for this post! :D hehe**

Hello again,

Tonight's post is another little one and is something I've been noticing more and more lately... funny product names!

Hiding amongst various brands are those products that have, well, laughable names (whether it be haha funny or weird funny) or names that are just plain inappropriate.

So, here is a little list I have compiled of some products that I have come across that have given me a laugh!:

• Nars Blushes in Orgasm and Deep Throat
• Call me a prude (which I kinda am!), but I'm not at all keen to explain to people that comment on my blush that I am wearing an Orgasm or Deep Throat all over my face! ew.
• I have previously compared these two blushes and you can read about it here if you are interested! :)
• Illamasqua Eyeshadow in Sex
• Pretty much the same deal as the Nars Blushes here! (why must you do this cosmetic companies... why?!). "Oh I have Sex on my eyes today". No thanks.
• All of Illamasqua's eyeshadows are single words... If you were that bored you could conjure up amusing sentences (i.e. Sister Sex Fiasco, Creep Soul Inception etc)
• OCC Lip Tar in Electric Grandma
• Whenever I think of this colour (which is like a gold-shimmered orange), I always think of someone's dear little grandma wrapped up in light bulbs like a christmas tree... Not sure why! lol - It is a pretty awesome colour!
• Illamasqua Lipstick in Apocalips
• I love this one purely for the pun factor! Apocalyps... Apocalips! LOL! (I find it hilarious anyway!). I was joking about this one when the world was apparently going to end in 2012... I thought it would be an apt end-of-world purchase!
• I have swatched Apocalips and you can read about it here!
• OPI Polishes
• OPI polishes have a reptuation for amusing names! (e.g. Not So Bora-Bora-ing Pink, You're a Pisa Work and Do You Lilac It?)
• Lippy Girl Lipsticks
• I do not own any of these, but I stumbled across them on the Lipstick Republic website and they provided me with many LOL's, due to their wildly inappropriate names! The fiance and I got a laugh out of 'Mother Pucker' (which actually looks like a pretty nice red!).

Of course, there are many other amusingly-named products out on the marketplace but these are a few I own or know about! Do you have any poorly named products in your collection?

I will post some more swatches and reviews soon... I am off to Salon Melbourne on the weekend so that will conjure up a post or two! 

Love,

Your PM xx

I've FINALLY painted my nails!

So it's been a few weeks, but I finally got around to painting my nails! (I had done easter nails but they had been nakey since I peeled them off on Easter Sunday... oops!) Being that I am supposed to be blogging about nails as well as makeup I thought I'd quickly share what was on my digits (I say was, because 2 days later I only have 5 left...)

Saturday's polish of choice was ZOYA "Astra", a red and pink glitter with a slight sheer red base from their 'Ultra Glitter' collection. Zoya is not a well known brand in Australia, but they are BIG in America! I love them because a) they were one of the first companies to remove the nasties from their formula and b) they don't recycle the same colours and finishes from season to season! (*cough*OPI*cough*)



Zoya Astra

This is two generous coats, finished off with two coats of CULT NAILS "Wicked Fast", which is a fabulous top coat! (I like applying two coats, becuase I feel it dries faster!). It ended up being so shiny and sparkly, I couldn't stop looking at my fingies!

Also, please excuse my embarrassing nubs of nails... I do keep them short for work (lucky for me I do have long nail beds) but due to the beating they received at tafe last year (while studying for my cert II), they break like nobody's business! lol. Because they are so soft, polish also chips quite easily (the running joke is I look at them and they chip!) and then I end up peeling them off because I HATE the sight of chipped polish! They are also in pretty bad nick, being that I pay them nowhere near as much attention as I should! (Perhaps this should be a 'before' photo and I implement a better nail-care regime! You can tell my cuticles are in need of moisture! I should crack out the Rosebud Salve!)

I aim to blog more about polish in the coming months! If there are any comparisons you would like to see let me know and I'll see what I can do!

What have you got on your digits at the moment? Anything I should try?

Love,

Your PM.

DUPE TEST: Turquoise Pigments!

Happy Saturday!

As promised on my facebook page (are you following? facebook.com/PolishedMakeupBlog) today's post is a DUPE TEST on Turquoise Pigments.

I don't know what it is about turquoise/teal colours, whenever I see them I am always drawn to them like a bug to a bright light! There's something about them that I find really pretty! I always need to exercise a bit of restraint becuase I think "no, I have something like this already". Although, when delving through my pigment tin, I was suprised I only had 3 Turquoise Pigments (green on the other hand... phwoar! I probably should have done today's DUPE TEST on that! If you guys are keen to see them, please let me know and I can do one!)

I quite like loose pigments and they are usually my go to for eyeshadows. I find these days I reach for loose pigments over pressed shadows. I like that they are so pigmented and it doesn't take much effort to get a good pop of colour. They also blend out really easily and nicely.

Today's products in question are: Napoleon Perdis' Loose Eye Dust in "The Life Aquatic", Illamasqua Pure Pigment in "Chasm" and Inika Mineral Eye Shadow in "Turquoise #22".

Firstly, here are the important product stats:

WEIGHT
NP: 1.8 grams
Illamasqua: 1.3 grams
Inika: 1.2 grams

PRICE
NP: AUD $35
Illamasqua: GBP 15.50 (About AUD $25)
Inika: $25

WHERE TO BUY (AUS)
NP: David Jones, napoleonperdis.com, adorebeauty.com.au
Illamasqua: illamasqua.com (i bought mine on sale), selected Myer stores.
Inika: inika.com.au, adorebeauty.com.au
FEATURES
NP: Flip up lid with non-spill sifter.
Illamasqua: Slip-off lid with large hole sifter.
Inika: Screw off-lid with sifter.

At this point, NP is the definite front runner for the fact it is almost clumsy-proof. The non spill sifter means that if you drop it, you won't lose the whole pot of pigment (the other two will lose much more pigment if you happen to drop them!). To use it you shake it while the lid is closed to release a little bit of pigment! Only down side to NP adding their sifter is you don't get as much product as you used to when compared to their old packaging (but you are less likely to spill it!). Value wise, Illamasqua is the front runner! However, the NP works out about 40c per gram more, so still good value!

Now for some photos!: 


NP (left), Inika (bottom), Illamasqua (right)

You can (just) see the sifter in the NP pan. My Inika pigment has already spilled everywhere and I am yet to take the sticker off (I really wish it wasn't so messy!). At this point the Illamasqua and NP Pigments look the most similar.

NP (left), Inika (middle), Illamasqua (right)

NP (left), Inika (middle), Illamasqua (right)

At this point, the Inika one is the real difference. The NP and Illamasqua pigments have a gold shimmer, which isn't present in the Inika. Therefore, if you are looking for a 'cooler' turquoise, I would recommend the Inika. Between the NP and Illamasqua, the Illamasqua pigment has a touch more gold, as well as a more multi-coloured shimmer.

FINAL VERDICT: NOT DUPES!

Which should you get? If you're after a cooler-based shimmer, Inika. If you are clumsy, NP. If you want value, Illamasqua.

This was a bit of a failed DUPE TEST, especially compared to my last one (perhaps my eyes are too trained and fussy to different colours!). Nonetheless, turquoise is a great colour to have to jazz up your eye makeup. You could wear a pop on the inner corner, smudge it along your bottom lash line or mix it with a sealer gel to create an eyecatching eye-liner. Try it out next time you are looking for something different!

Happy dupe-spotting!
Love,
Your PM x

DUPE TEST: Lime Crime 'Geradium' vs MAC 'Viva Glam Nicki'

Welcome back! (or hello if this is the first time you are venturing to my blog!)

Today's post is something that has somewhat been a 'hot topic' on the internet of late: The comparison of Lime Crime's Lipstick 'Geradium' and MAC's Lipstick 'Viva Glam Nicki'.

Lime Crime released Geradium, the latest lipstick in their colourful collection, on Valentine's Day (which was the Friday in Australia). As soon as I saw it I HAD to have it (mostly due to them having a sale and becuase I have all their other lippies! lol) BUT I did not think to ponder what I had in my stash first. My bad.

Soon after, a lot of comparisons started popping up comparing LC and MAC and here I am thinking "OH DEAR...". Nevertheless, I've FINALLY decided to get around to comparing the two to see what all the fuss is about (thank you blog!). So here are my results from the 'dupe' test! (this is starting to feel like a university lab report now! lol)

Firstly, here are the important product stats:

WEIGHT
LC: 3.5 grams
MAC: 3.0 grams

PRICE
LC: AUD $21 (when purchased from an Australian Retailer, or US$16 from LC direct - but shipping is $11 so either buy lots or wait for a sale - or both!)
MAC: AUD $36 (MAC is notorious for having product rip offs! Please don't risk it and buy from a genuine and authorised retailer!)

SMELL
LC: YUM
MAC: YUM
(both vanilla based and tasty!)

OK, so LC is the definite front runner at this point based on weight and price (and value for money is a good thing!) HOWEVER, every cent from the sale of VG Nicki goes towards helping those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS (definitely an awesome thing MAC does there!). So if you want to look good AND do your bit for charity too, VG is a good option!

Now for some photos!:


LC (Left) and VG (Right)

 

LC (Left) and VG (Right)

As you can see, in the tube you would be splitting hairs to tell them apart... Not much difference at all! (Except for the fact I've used VG but yet to use LC). But as some of you may know, looks can be deceiving and quite often products can look different when swatched! So lets see how the swatches come out...

LC (Left) and VG (Right)

 

LC (Left) and VG (Right)

Would you believe it... They're DIFFERENT! (JUST!)
They are a bit more punchier in real life too compared to the photos, definitely nice and bright and not for the faint of heart (or colour!)

On the skin, Geradium throws a bit more red, where as Nicki throws a bit more pink! They are both great colours and I am glad I have both (but I am a bit of a collector and I'm fussy so I can get away with it!)

FINAL VERDICT: NOT DUPES!

Do you need both? Probably not! (Definitely not if you aren't fussy either!)
Which should you get? If you are going for better value, LC. If you want to do your part for charity, MAC. If you want a slightly more red tone, LC. If you want a bit more pink, MAC.

Do bear in mind the celeb-sponsored Viva Glam's (such as Viva Glam Nicki) don't stick around for ever - so if you want it, get it while you can. Geradium is definitely a good alternative if you can't get your hands on the MAC one. Lime Crime also pride themselves on being Vegan friendly and don't test on animals (I can't comment on MAC for this one because I am not 100% sure).

So there you have it! I hope this was of some use for you. I will try and do a look in the not too distant future using Geradium (especially because I haven't used it yet!).
If there are any "DUPE TEST" colours you would like to see featured please let me know! (If I have them I will happily oblige!).

Happy dupe-spotting!
Love,
Your PM x

The PM's Guide to Bargain Makeup-ing: Multi-Use Products

Let's face it (pardon the pun) - makeup can be expensive. Yes, there are a few gems that come with a reasonable price point, but as a general rule you get what you pay for. Therefore, it's always good to stretch your dollar further! You can do this by a) hunting down a bargain (which I'll touch on eventually as I'm an avid bargain hunter!) or b) buying products that have more than one use - which is what today's post will be on!

Now, the products I'll be talking about are from my own collection - therefore if you have something similar, by all means use that! (unless you want to try something new of course!). These are things that work for me and I find good to multi-use, but they may not work for you! (and that's ok too!)

So here are some products (in no particular order) that I use for a variety of things. Keep these in mind next time you are perusing the beauty aisles or packing for a holiday!

NAPOLEON PERDIS BRONZE PATROL
Main Use: Bronzer
Multi-use: Eye Shadow
The NP 'Patrol's' (Bronze and Blush) are great as they are a marble of colour and you can have lighter or darker depending on where you pick from in the pan! (If you get one that is good enough you will even have larger colour blocks to pick from). Usually, I am not the biggest bronzer fan and mine rarely get used (mostly due to the fact I am only a few shades off ghost white!). However, I love using Bronze Patrol in the crease of the eye as a nice soft brown - it makes a great everyday colour!

Bronze Patrol

ILLAMASQUA BRONZING DUO'S (as seen in Easter Feaster!)
Main Use: Bronzer
Multi-use: Eye Shadow and Highlighter
These are similar deal to the NP Bronze Patrol. However, this product comes in two silky-soft colour pans - one lighter and one darker! I used the paler-side (Glint) for my Easter Monday FOTD and was pleasantly suprised. I also used the darker colour as a subtle contour under my blush. They would also make great eye shadows and brow bone highlighters depending on your skin tone!

NAPOLEON PERDIS COLOUR DISC IN FLAMINGO ROAD
Main Use: Eye Shadow
Multi-use: Blush
Personally, I tend to avoid red/coral/pinky coloured eyeshadows becuase I feel that if it's not done right, your eyes just look sore. Therefore, I usually avoid it unless I'm specifically in the mood. While this would be good for crease-blending, it's not something I am keen to reach for on a regular basis. Until the day I had a champion brain wave... BLUSH! TOTAL WIN. Now I get more use out of those Coral/Red/Pink eyeshadows I just HAD to have... (It's a slightly more expensive way to do it, but if you use it up it's value for money!)

Flamingo Road

KRYOLAN TV PAINT STICK
Main Use: Foundation
Multi-Use: Concealer
I bought my first TV Paint Stick for use at my deb in 2004 (yes, I did my own makeup!) and I've loved it ever since. While I don't wear it as a full face foundation these days, it's the best concealer i've ever found! It's thicker than any other concealer I've ever come across. Why? Well, I have very dark circles under my eyes (something I am not the biggest fan of) and this is the only thing that does a good job of covering them up! When I have my makeup professionally done, they do put concealer under my eyes but I'm always asking for more makeup because these circles stand out like a sore thumb. I've also taken to using it under my cheeks, with good results! When my face gets all hot I get all red under my cheeks, if I don't cover it up it pokes through and makes it look like I have no idea what I'm doing with blush! (not cool!)

My Red Cheek (I rest my case...)

ILLAMASQUA MEDIUM PENCILS
Multi-use: Eyes and Lips
The beauty of Illamasqua is they appeal to all those left field makeup lovers! They have awesome products that come in a variety of colours to suit your every wish or whim! Illamasqua Medium Pencils come in just about every colour under the sun (pink, blue, red, yellow you name it!) and can be used on either the eyes or the lips! So with some crafty buying you can have your bright eye liner and wear it on your lips too!

SMITH'S ROSEBUD SALVE
Multi-use: Everywhere!
Being that this blog is supposed to be on nails too (oops!), I thought I best include a nail-friendly product. This stuff smells great and can be used just about everywhere. I know of some Nail Polish Bloggers that use it on their cuticles (and I don't blame them!). I haven't used mine very much but it's very highly spoken of in the beauty world. Rosebud Salve can be used on chapped lips and skin, blemishes and soft hands. If you have heard of/have used Elizabeth Arden's 8-Hour Cream, that will probably do the same thing (just not smell like roses). I use 8-Hour Cream on my nose when I have a cold and it's all chapped from blowing my nose! lol

Rosebud Salve

Anyway, I think that is a good start to the "PM's Guide to Bargain Makeup-ing"!
I will likely do another multi-use post when I find some more products and I will definitely do some more instalments for bargain makeup!

Are there any products you use for a variety of different things?

Love,
Your PM x