SWATCH FEST: Even More OCC Loose Colour Concentrates!

Well, 

I've been at it again... Buying more things I don't need! lol

Lipstick Republic had a 20% off sale, so my arm was easily twisted to buy a few new goodies! (I mean really, did you expect anything less? lol).

I picked up three more OCC Loose Colour concentrates and Lime Crime's China Doll palette (A swatch fest of China Doll will come at a later date!).

I have previously swatched the rest of my Loose Colour Concentrate collection and you can view them here (11) and here (3)! Including these latest few, my collection sits at 17/35... so about half way! (and geez I feel like I'm running out of options! lol)

My three latest choices: Foxfire, Brasstacks and Jubilee!

L: Foxfire, R: Brasstacks, B: Jubilee

L-R: Jubilee, Foxfire, Brasstacks

Jubilee: A pale blue with a turquoise duo-chrome type shimmer. It is great for layering! When this arrived, I went 'oh dear what have I done?!'... But swatched, it's actually quite pretty!

Foxfire: A bright grassy-type green with silver shimmer undertone. I am surprised that I didn't pick this one up sooner being that I have a big love of greens.

Brasstacks: Brasstacks is a great every-day dark chocolate brown with a gold shimmer. As the name implies, it does lean a touch brassy. This is another one I am surprised that I didn't end up with sooner.

As mentioned, I purchased my LCC's from Lipstick Republic (remember to use code 'RepublicVIBs' for 10% off!). The going rate is AUD$14 for 2.5gms (great value!)

Have you tried Loose Colour Concentrates? Got any favourite colours?

Love,

Your PM x

SWATCH FEST: More OCC Loose Colour Concentrates

Hi guys and girls!

A while ago, I posted swatches of my OCC Loose Colour Concentrates collection. Today, I have a few more swatches to add!

I love these Loose Colour Concentrates because they are super pigmented and at a really attractive price point given the quality!

The latest three I've picked up are: Smote, Technoir and Overlook!

L-R: Smote, Technoir, Overlook

L-R: Smote, Technoir, Overlook

Smote: A deep beige with prominent silver shimmer. It's a bit like a dark version of Clove.

Technoir: A deep blue with a duo-chrome shimmer. The OCC website says 'Dark Navy/Blue Duo Chrome', but I personally wouldn't call it navy (it does look Navy in the pot but doesn't swatch so dark!). The shimmer is like a purple shift and flecks of gold are also visible. It reminds me of Illamasqua's Alluvium but with finer shimmer.

Overlook: A deep purple with a golden shimmer. It's kind of like an eggplant/aubergine colour.

OCC Loose Colour Concentrates will set you back AUD$14 for 2.5gms (told you they were awesome value!). You can purchase them from Lipstick Republic (and remember code 'RepublicVIBs' for 10% off!).

These are great colours for winter! Smote is a great neutral, I love Technoir because I am absolutely in love with Alluvium and Overlook is such a pretty and dramatic colour for winter!

Have you tried any LCC's? Which ones are your faves?

Love,

Your PM x

SWATCH FEST: OCC Loose Colour Concentrates!

Hello,

Tonight I have swatched (and therefore am blogging about) my OCC Loose Colour Concentrates collection!

OCC are probably most well known for their super pigmented (and awesome) Lip Tars (which I will swatch eventually!), but their Loose Colour Concentrates do not disappoint!

There is a whopping 35 colours in the collection, of which I only have 11 - but hopefully this helps a bit if you have been trolling the Internet looking for some swatches! (I do eventually aim to get more but I am trying to resist buying every cosmetic item I lay my eyes on at the moment!). Be warned: These are crazily pigmented! (Now would be a good time to take your socks off so they don't get knocked off by the impending awesomeness!)

Top L-R: Tryptych, Flicker, Glisten, Clove, Platonic, Ironic
Bottom L-R:  Static, Cavu Blue, Wasabi, Chlorophyll, Nori

Packaging is a clear screw-top jar and it does have a three-hole sifter inside (this is good if you are clumsy and end up throwing it around - you won't lose it all over the floor!).

L-R: Tryptych, Flicker, Glisten, Clove, Platonic, Ironic, Static, Cavu Blue, Wasabi, Chlorophyll, Nori

L-R: Tryptych, Flicker, Glisten, Clove, Platonic, Ironic

L-R:  Static, Cavu Blue, Wasabi, Chlorophyll, Nori

Here is a little run-down on the colours:

Tryptych: A regal metallic gold. It is a yellow based gold. I purchased it with the intention of using it in ombre lips. This will probably never touch my eyelids due to the yellow content! lol

Flicker: A pinky tinged beige with gold shimmer.

Glisten: A pinky based coral with gold shimmer.

Clove: A neutral/champagne beige. It is more brown than Flicker. This would be a good neutral eye pick!

Platonic: A pale pink. Surprisingly pretty on! Along with Clove, these would be great colours for bridal and/or everyday makeup.

Ironic: A metallic silver with a gold and purple shimmer. This is actually a surprisingly interesting colour! I thought it was just a metallic silver but I was wrong!

Static: A blue based purple with a blue shimmer.

Cavu Blue: A bright cyan blue. This one has got some punch!

Wasabi: A yellow tinged bright green. It's described as Chartreuse (but I always imagined that was more yellow!).

Chlorophyll: A bright mint green. OCC describe it as turquoise, but I always imagine turquoise as slightly bluer. Either way, super pretty! 

Nori: A darkened teal/sea green. A great colour in the winter months!

I swatched these colours on my bare (pasty) arm - if you wear them over a primer (such as NYX Eyeshadow Base) then you will end up with a more intense colour! (But as you can tell they are pretty intense already!). I also recommend something 'sticky' (like an eyeshadow base) particularly if you are going to press them onto your lid. They will last much longer! They do blend out without a problem though. I have used Nori in my crease (my lids were prepped with foundation and powder) and it blended out without a problem and stayed put very well! Cavu Blue, Wasabi, Chlorophyll and Nori are a tad more matte than the other colours (they still shimmer, but as you can tell from the photos it is not as apparent!).

My picks: Wasabi, Chlorophyll, Nori (can you tell I like greens?)

OCC Loose Colour Concentrates will set you back a very reasonable AUD$14 for 2.5gms (very generous and super good value!). You can buy OCC from Lipstick Republic (great to deal with and you can use code 'RepublicVIBs' for 10% off! Woohoo!).

Have you tried any of the Loose Colour Concentrates? Which are your favourites?

Love,

Your PM x

p.s. Wasabi has been featured on my blog in my April Favourites and I have worn Flicker in a FOTD! x
p.p.s. if you want to see some more colours in action, find me on Instagram (@polishedmakeup)

FOTD: Fancy Function!

Hello,

Last week I went to a function and I thought I would share the makeup look that I did for the occasion! (Sorry they are dodgy phone photos but you'll still get the idea!)

My dress was orange lace over beige so I didn't want to go too gun-ho with colour! I chose a co-ordinating bright lip because I like to be matchy like that! haha. The end result made me feel very glam!

I used the following products:

FACE

• Illamasqua Matte Primer
• Kryolan TV Paint Stick in NB1
• Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation in #6
• Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation in #1 (used for blending #6 foundation into my neck... I have a very pale neck!)
• Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder in N2

BLUSH

• NARS Blush in Deep Throat
• MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Stereo Rose (on apples of cheeks only)
• Napoleon Perdis Contour Palette (brown contour only)

EYES

• Kryolan TV Paint Stick in NB1
• Kryolan Translucent Powder in TL1
• Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Nude Beach (applied damp with MAC Fix+)
• Sleek i-Divine in Original (brown-y colours used)
• Napoleon Perdis Loose Eye Dust in Mosaic Gold
• Napoleon Perdis Mesmer-Eyes Mascara
• Napoleon Perdis China Doll Gel Liner in Equinox
• MAC Pearlglide Eyeliner in Black Swan
• Illamasqua Precision Ink in Abyss
• Eyebrows: Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in Vehement
• Lashes: Lash Republic's 'The Hunter'

LIPS

• MAC Lipstick in Ablaze

There you have it! I hope this serves as inspiration next time you are having a night out!
Love,

Your PM x

FOTD: Glam With Red Lips

Hello,

Another FOTD from last weekend here! I felt like going glam last sunday and wore a pretty dress to match! Once again, it's dodgy picture quality (thanks to the phone!).

I used the following products:

FACE

• Illamasqua Matte Primer
• Kryolan TV Paint Stick in NB1
• Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation in #6
• Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation in #1 (for blending into neck)
• Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder in N2

BLUSH

• MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Stereo Rose
• MAC Marilyn Monroe Blush in The Perfect Cheek
• Napoleon Perdis Contour Palette (brown contour only)

EYES

• Kryolan TV Paint Stick in NB1
• Kryolan Translucent Powder in TL1
• Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Drama
• Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Celestine
• Napoleon Perdis Colour Disc in Queen of the Night
• Napoleon Perdis Loose Eye Dust in Mosaic Gold
• Napoleon Perdis Mesmer-Eyes Mascara
• Napoleon Perdis China Doll Gel Liner in Equinox
• Illamasqua Precision Ink in Abyss
• Eyebrows: Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in Gaze used wet with Illamasqua Sealing Gel (I'm trying something new! lol)
• Lashes: Lash Republic's 'The Hunter'

LIPS

• MAC Lipstick in RiRi Woo 

The lippy is the LE Riri Hearts MAC Collaboration... I bought it because I got sucked in but I must say I was throughly impressed! The colour is really nice and it wore REALLY well and it didn't bleed! I am usually really clumsy with red lipstick but I didn't end up getting this one everywhere. It is a matte finish but it doesn't feel overly drying which is a huge plus! If you are Aussie, it's still available on the MAC website, otherwise, there is a second release in June (I think it is... actually that's quite soon!!).

Love,
Your PM x

FAVOURITES: My April Picks!

Hello,

Tonight I will share with you my favourite products for the month of April! I was tagged on Instagram to show my favourite products (if you are following me @polishedmakeup then you have already had a sneak peek!) so here they are!:



My April Favourites

Illamasqua Blush in Tremble

I love Illamasqua Blushes because they are a reasonable price point (AUD$28) and you get a reasonable amount (4.5gms). They have a great colour range (including a few bold ones!) and are also very pigmented but still easily blendable. Tremble is such a versatile colour. It is pink but you can get away with wearing it with peachy colours! It's also one that you can't overdo and does blend out nicely! I love Tremble so much that it made my post on my Top 5 Illamasqua Products! This is definitely one colour I reach for a lot!

MAC Blush in Mocha

This is another colour I reach for quite a bit, especially when I want more subdued blush (because it's a bit darker than Tremble). I don't own many MAC blushes but this one I am really happy with! It's like a nude/dusty pink (it's a bit like Illamasqua's Naked Rose for those Illamasqua fans playing along out there!). It's not bright but still quite flattering. Like Tremble, this is another one I love so much that it made my Top 5 MAC post!

OCC Loose Colour Concentrate in Wasabi

OCC's Loose Colour Concentrates have quickly earnt a place in my heart for their awesome colours and awesome value! (They are only AUD$14 for 2.5gms! Yes, $14!!! Awesome!). I have a nice little collection happening (I do plan to swatch it for you!) and one of my favourites at the moment is Wasabi! I am loving the bright Chatreuse/Lime Greens at the moment! (This will probably die off a bit in winter though lol). It's very pigmented and worn with a primer/base you get a bright colour that stays put for hours!

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg

I had already given Luxembourg a review, which you can read here. I was throughly impressed with it, especially for something that's a satin finish (as matte's usually have the longer wear time!). The colour is also great! I thought it was a really deep pink, but silly me didn't realise that it was actually red until I swatched it with a bunch of other red lipsticks for a dupe test! Clever me! I highly recommend it if you are in the market for a new red/deep pink! (I had also ordered Lohdi and Yu, which have arrived! Review in the near future! I'll add it to the list...)

Lime Crime Velvetines in Suedeberry

I looooove Suedeberry. It really does have the velvet finish claimed and it STAYS PUT! I was also pleasantly suprised with Suedeberry's colour too... It's a coral! This makes me rather happy due to my fondness of corals! This is a great everyday colour too! I have already reviewed both Velvetines on my blog and you can read my thoughts on them here!

Illamasqua Lipstick in Eurydice

I am quite fond of Illamasqua lippies for their awesome colours and staying powder! They are matte and wear like a coat of armour on your lips! They barely budge! However, the downside to them is that they can feel quite drying on your lips... particularly if they aren't in the best condition! Any imperfections will show up so scrub up before wearing! Eurydice is a bright fuschia pink! This one is not for the faint of heart and really packs a punch!

OCC Lip Tar in Anime

I LOVE OCC Lip Tars because the colour is so intense and it only takes a tiny amount of colour for maximum effect! They feel light as a feather to wear too! (I do have quite a little collection and I will get around to swatching them for you soon!). The only downside (for me) is that becuase they are so light to wear I feel like I'm going to smear them all up my face! (that is mostly because I'm a clumsy pants!). Anime is a vibrant neon pink! It is so intense and amazing! However, it stays put really well when worn with Eurydice (both of these made the list because I wore them together and it was such an amazing combo!).

Sleek Blush by 3 in Lace

These are a bit on the powdery side, but for 20gms of blush for AUD$15 you really can't go wrong! The pigmentation is still really good considering! (Really good!). The Lace palette has a bright orange, a gold shimmery pink and a bright coral/red. You can (just!) see me sporting the middle one in my Anniversary Dinner FOTD! (I have swatched this on Instagram if you are interested).

Do you agree with my picks? What products are you loving at the moment?

Love,

Your PM x

FOTD: Anniversary Dinner

Hello,

It's been a busy ol' week for me (which is why it's been a bit light on with postings, so my apologies for that!). On Wednesday, the Fiance and I went out for a 4 year anniversary dinner! (no, the dinner didn't go for four years! haha... I wish!). I did a reasonably simple FOTD for the occasion but I was really happy with it and it was very much liked by the other half!

I used the following products:

FACE

• Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Primer
• Kryolan TV Paint Stick in NB1
• MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15
• Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder in N2

BLUSH

• Sleek Blush by 3 in Lace (Middle only)
• NARS Blush in Seduction

EYES

• Kryolan TV Paint Stick in NB1
• Kryolan Translucent Powder in TL1
• Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Drama
• MAC Paint Pot in Blackground
• Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Alluvium
• Napoleon Perdis Loose Eye Dust in Mosaic Gold
• Napoleon Perdis Mesmer-Eyes Mascara
• Napoleon Perdis China Doll Gel Liner in Equinox
• Illamasqua Precision Ink in Abyss
• Eyebrows: Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in Vehement
• Lashes: Ardell Beauties (I had previously washed/soaked them so they are a bit straighter than normal!)

LIPS

• MAC Mineralize Lipstick in Luxe Naturale

I went for a pale lip due to my bright/bold eyes (and also because I was less likely to end up with my lippy all over my face during dinner... It has happened with brighter colours!). The best part about it was that it was pretty quick to do! WOOHOO! (always keen for a bit of time saving!)

I hope this serves as a bit of inspiration when you are next getting ready for a night out!
Love,

Your PM x

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Kryolan Satin Powders and HD Pigments

Hello,

I'm on a bit of a blogging roll at the moment (I am trying to reduce that list that's longer than the Great Wall of China...) so tonight's second post (my first was my Top 5 MAC Picks) is on my little collection of Kryolan Satin Powders and HD Pigments.

A few people in my neck of the woods haven't really heard of Kryolan, but they make some great stuff! They aim for the Stage/TV makeup artists, but that doesn't mean the everyday makeup lover can't use their products! I swear by their TV Paint Stick for concealer, and I also love their translucent powder!

There are 16 available colours in the Satin Powder collection (I have four) and there are 16 available colours of the HD Pigments (I have three). I wanted to swatch the few I have, because I struggled to find swatches of them on the net when I went to buy mine. So hopefully if you are in the same predicament, this helps! 

Top: HD Pigments
Bottom: Satin Powders

The HD Pigments are supposed to be of a higher quality, and have good adhesive properties to bare skin (I will agree with this as I tried to use a HD Pigment with NYX eyeshadow base and it wouldn't grab!). The main difference, formula wise, between the HD Pigments and the Satin Powders is that the Satin Powders have a talc base and the HD pigments do not (good if you are allergic to talc, which some people are!).

First, the Satin Powders:

(L-R: White Gold, Rose Gold, Champagner, Majestic Green)

White Gold: A white base with a prominent gold shimmer. This would work great on the inner corner of your eye or as a brow highlighter (or both!).
Rose Gold: Looks alot more pink in the jar but on the skin is a nice soft candy pink with a gold shimmer. Very pretty and girly!

Champagner: A champagne coloured bronze. It's not a full on bronze (like Napoleon Perdis' Copper Element) but is a nice medium between gold and brown. This was the most metallic/shimmery of the Satin Powders.
Majestic Green: A green base with a green shimmer. It reminds me of a grass green. Can't say I love it, but I think this one would be great used with a Khaki green colour.

TOP TIP: For more intense colour, I press my loose pigments onto a base such as NYX Eyeshadow Base (there are others you can use but I use that one, and like it, so I recommend it! lol) to help keep the colour intense and lasting longer!

The HD Pigments:

(L-R: Dolomite, Marble, Emerald)

Dolomite: This has SUCH an interesting finish! It is a nude-y pinky lilac and the finish isn't like a sparkly metallic and it isn't quite matte. It's really hard to describe but it's awesome!

Marble: A really pretty pale sparkly purple! A really intense colour! Would be nice to mix into your everyday makeup routine!
Emerald: A beautiful green! It's an intense green and is simply stunning! If you love greens and wear green eyeshadow, this will not disappoint!

The texture of the HD Powders are different to the Satin Powders. The Satin Powders are a powder, and if someone says to me "loose pigment" that is the formula I expect. The HD Pigments are a bit clumpier (which I'm sure would be due to the absence of talc!). They remind me of a smaller version of MAC's Crushed Metallic Pigments!

Stats-wise, you get 3gms of Satin Powder for AUD$18 (VERY competitively priced) and for the HD powder you get 3gms of powder as well (though Dolomite is marked at 6gms... bit confused there?) for AUD$32. After swatching them side by side, you really can notice the difference in quality. The Satin Powders aren't bad quality, but the HD powder is just so much better! If you are one that is pedantic for quality, go for the HD powders if you will get the use out of them! If you aren't sure if you will get much use, and there is a colour you like, the Satin Powders are not too much of a strain on the hip pocket!

My picks: Dolomite (simply for the finish), Emerald (for the colour) and White Gold (for the versatility).

In Australia, you can buy Kryolan from www.kryolan.com.au and in Melbourne (for those in Melbourne) there is a shop in Little Collins St (so you can try till your heart's content!).

Have you used Kryolan before? Which products do you like?

Love,

Your PM x

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Illamasqua Pure Pigments

Hello,

Today's "Under the Microscope" is on Illamasqua's Pure Pigments. I have been in love with Illamasqua since they released their SkinBase foundation and my mother convinced me to try it! haha. They are a cult British brand, who are slowly becoming more recognised in Australia! (They have received a lot of good publicity lately for dropping their prices in Aus to be more in line with the overseas markets... Absolutely awesome I say!). I also love that they have a bit more outrageous colour palette (teal lipstick and purple blush anyone?!) but can still appeal to the everyday. I have six of their pigments. Five are still listed on the Illamasqua website, and one is no longer available (I will swatch it anyway, so sorry if you really like it... You may get lucky and find it somewhere!). There are ten colours in total currently up on the website!

The Illamasqua website describes their pigments as "a metallic, high-shine, pure colour powder". I agree. They are beautiful pigments and very eye catching! While I do not find the whole colour palette appealing (read: the red one), I really love the colours I have and I feel they are a good mix of day, night and fun!

Something handy to note: I usually wear my loose pigments with a base underneath to help them stick! I use the NYX white eyeshadow base, smoothing it on to the places where I want intense pigment and then pressing the pigment on. If you want a sheerer/more subtle look, you can use without a base and blend them out with a brush (I do this for the crease of my eye). I find loose colour pigments like these blend out really well!

Now for the fun part... pictures!:

(L-R: Alluvium, Android, Beguile, Chasm, Furore, Incite)

Top Row L-R: Alluvium, Android, Beguile
Bottom Row L-R: Chasm, Furore, Incite

Alluvium: This is SUCH an interesting colour and it is much more impressive in the flesh. It's a deep blue with red and gold shimmer/sparkle. The shimmer is more apparent if densely packed on, but it would be great combined with black for a majestic smokey eye! It's rather unique because of it's sparkle!

Android: A charcoal grey with a pink/green shimmer. I must admit, I was expecting it to be blacker and I was a little disappointed when I got it but it's still a great colour. Like Alluvium, would be great paired with black for a smokey eye! This one a bit more glitzy than majestic though! lol

Beguile: A white pigment with a pink/green shimmer. It is a bit like Android's albino sister! haha. Probably the sheerest of the bunch but it does perk up over a base. You could potentially use it as a glitzy brow highlight if you were feeling game/80's! haha.

Chasm: A beautiful turqouoise with a greeny/gold shift. One of my favourites becuase it's such a pretty colour! (Along with coral, I have a strong fondness for teals/turquoises!) I have compared Chasm in a dupe test which you can view here!

Furore: A nudie/champagne colour. This is a good every-day colour. You could use it as a brow highlight, or also on the inner corner of your lid. One if my favourites due to it's versatility! You can see I have used this one the most!
Incite: This is the one that is no longer available on Illamasqua's website. It is an intense bronze shimmer and is the most pigmented of the lot, a bit sad that it has been disappointed becuase it's a lovely colour!

The packaging of these is not too bad but can be a little awkward if you're clumsy like me! The base is clear so you can see what colour you're looking for (I do very much like this!) and there is a sifter-like divider inside. It is not your traditional sifter, more a hole so you can get the stuff out but you won't lose the lot if you drop it! (anyone who has dropped a pigment knows you get colour from here to Timbuktu... absolutely everywhere!). However, if you throw these in your makeup bag and they get shaken around a bit, quite a bit of pigment can settle above the sifter/divider and can get messy when you open it! (I know this from experience so just a little FYI! lol). The lid can also be tricky to get off if you've got no nails (also another tip from experience! haha).

Value wise, you get 1.3g of powder (not the most generous but still reasonable) for GBP£15.50 (that's about AUD$25). However, the Illamasqua website (www.illamasqua.com) often have them reduced and I've picked up most of mine for less than full price! In Australia, you should be able to get these from Myer, but for some reason the Myer website refuses to show them. I am sure I have seen them in store recently but I can't be 100% sure. If you are after them and are making a special trip, ring your Illamasqua counter first :)

My picks: Alluvium and Chasm (for the colour) and Furore (for the versatility).



Until next time,

Happy shimmering!
Love,

Your PM x

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

Easter Feaster!

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

I hope you've had a great day celebrating Easter how you do best!

Today I went for a shop and picked up a few goodies! (I did get some clothes but being that the focus of this blog is beauty I won't worry about that! lol)

My poor hand was a bit beaten up for swatching about 40 gazillion lipsticks and pencils (I'm pretty sure that's an accurate number! lol)



My nice stained hand!



It was a nice day out and the shops weren't horrendously busy as per usual so I could actually get some decent help! Anyway, here are my goodies!

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Luxe Naturale

I already currently own one MR lippy (Lady at Play) and I love it! It feels so nice to wear. It sort of has a glossy non-sticky texture, but still having the pigmentation/better staying power of a lipstick! I chose Luxe Naturale because I was in the search for (another) nude for when I do bright eye makeup! (sometimes i'm not in the mood for bright eyes AND bright lips together!)

Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Luxe Naturale

Mineralize lippies have different packaging to other MAC lippies. They have a stylish flared design and a magnetic cap! Very sleek indeed! You also get an extra 1.04g of product compared to a standard lippy (4.04g vs 3g) and pay an extra $10 for it ($46 vs $36 in Aus). Therefore, I recommend if you get one of these lippies, pick a colour that you will get wear out of!



Swatch of Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Luxe Naturale

Luxe Naturale is a nude colour with just a hint of pinky peach! I feel that it suits my few-shades-off-ghostly-white skin tone.

Bare Minerals Eye Colour in Grace

Like a MR lippy, I already have a few of these (my theory: if it's good, buy it in every colour! haha). I wear two, Drama and Nude Beach, on a regular basis. I bought this from Mecca Cosmetica for $17.95 (well, the fiance paid for it as an easter present... so it cost me nothing! haha). While it looks like you get a decent amount (and yes, they would last you a while), you don't get as much compared to other loose pigments. They are however, very good, so it makes up for it!

Grace is a pinky nude with a gold undertone. I chose this for everyday wear, when I am wearing  more gold coloured things (my other stock standard - Nude Beach - is very cool toned and I don't think it's always appropriate). Grace also comes out a bit lighter on the skin than you would expect!



Bare Minerals - Grace

 

Bare Minerals - Grace Swatch

 Illamasqua Bronzing Duo in Glint/Writhe

Ahhh Illamasqua. My favourite counter at Myer Chadstone. I am always served by the same awesome chick and we always have a great laugh, chat about the products, and she is rather patient when I ask all sorts of reasonably curly questions and laugh about what I can be talked into! haha. She was the one who first fit me for my Skin Base Foundation and 100% props she got it right and I LOVE it! Anyway, today I picked up two products. A bronzing duo and the lippy. I am not normally a bronzer person. Blush blush blush is all I'm about, but I looked at this palette, swatched it and HAD to have it! The bronzers feel SO SO silky and luxurious, they melted onto my skin. I can almost see myself using Glint (the lighter one) as an eye highlighter, and others have suggested to use them as shadows (also something I am likely to do as I use NP's Bronze Patrol as a shadow from time to time). I am actually really excited to use these because they feel so awesome!



Bronzing Duo in Glint (Left) and Writhe (Right)



Glint (Left) and Writhe (Right)

These bronzers have beautiful gold tones and aren't what you think of when you think bronzer (well I think of a horrible dark matte powder a-la Rimmel). Anyway, they are shimmery, but not too shimmery. Almost like a satin (if that is the correct use of that texture! lol). Glint is a nice nude colour and Writhe is a darker, warm tan/terracotta-ish brown. There is another bronze duo available if this one doesn't totally hit the spot! It's Glint/Burnish - where burnish is a cooler brown.

Illamasqua Lipstick in Apocalips

Last but not least, my other lippy purchase for the day! I have always had a bit of a crush on Apocalips, plus I like it's pun-factor, but not felt like I could wear it! (When you see the swatches, you may understand why if you've never seen it before!) However, when I was picking the brains of my favourite Illamasqua lady, she suggested a few ways to wear it and I was sold! haha (see, told you I can be easily influenced at times!).



Illamasqua Apocalips

See, it's teal! (and very in your face!). Certainly not something for wearing in a small-town! However, I have no issues with colour so I would happily wear it! (It is sporting a few moisture spots but the product is a-ok!)

Apocalips Swatch (with a hello from my Easter Nails!)



As you can see, from the swatch it is a nice mid-teal very matte! While Illamasqua lippies can feel a tad drying they don't budge! (like really, don't budge!) They are a very low maintenance lippy if you want to throw it on and go! They also have very bright and a very good range of colours so there is something to appeal to everyone! With the price drop in Australia they are down to a much more reasonable $25!

Now is also a good time to mention that illamasqua.com are currently having an 'easter hunt' and have big savings on shadow, pigments and polish! (they also have one more to release which I'm betting to be lipstick!) - So now is a good chance to grab some bargains or try some colours you wouldn't normally while they are 45% off! (BARGAIN!)

So there you have it, today's Easter picks!

If there is any other products you would like to see, let me know!
Love,

Your PM x