Essence Quick Buy - Stocking Filler?

Ok beauties since the festive season is fast approaching and those hiding spots for Christmas gifts should be filling up (ok, mine is vastly empty - eek!) we might be hunting around for that little stocking filler. How about a fruity floral eau de toilette?

I snagged Essence's Blooms etc in Target recently and when I scanned it I was pleasantly surprised to see that the EDT scanned up for literally pocket change of $1.00AU for 50mls.

I figure the price is because the Blossoms etc collection is discontinued.  I only vaguely remember the nail polishes but I would recommend hunting around your local Target stores as there might be some of the other items (shown above) still around in sale bins at bargain prices as I have seen some of the lavender and lilac eyeshadows still mixed into the Essence bar displays up until very recently. 

I would describe this as a light sweet grape/ bubblegum scent rather than floral as the packaging, and name, of the fragrance would suggest.  It is even made in France. So as that extra gift for the girl that likes a little surprise it should do nicely as the box opens up as if the petals of the flower are blossoming. 

It also comes mounted snuggly on thin felt covered plastic and the glass is so thick that my bottle survived a fall from the shelf onto hardwood flooring so no worries there about it being a fragile bottle.

So lovelies I'm going to be posting some other little buys shortly as well as some favourite things I have picked up.  On my Essence obsession I have picked up a few items from the two new collections- the 50's Girl's Reloaded and the Twilight Breaking Dawn part 2 collection.  

Don't forget to enter my mini Essence Cosmetics Giveaway as there are only 6 days left!

Lust Have IT - November 2012

I decided it was about time I got back into blogging about the LustHaveIt boxes - yes beauties I've been subscribed now for over a year.  

I had my first introduction to the brand at the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend in September last year and I liked it so much that I signed up for the monthly $14.95AU in October 2011.

I posted a video of this month's box (as well as Octobers box)

This months collectable cosmetic bag is violet and from memory this is similar to the purple one we received in June's LustHaveIt pack. This is also apparently the last of the brightly coloured makeup bags we will be receiving, as from Decembers box we will be getting a new type of collectable packaging - I can't wait to see what it is!

As pictured this months parade of goodies include some full size items along with the samples. In fact there are three "fullies" - the brand new and yet-to-hit-shelves Fibre Lashxtend from ModelCo, a roll on fragrance from Evodia  in Summer Time & a tweezer from Star & Rose with a cute hologram design. 

The mascara alone has a RRP of $28AU which is just under twice what I pay for the subscription and the fragrance tagged at $12.95AU for 15ml is a very nose pleasing citrusy mix of lime and lemon combined with passionfruit and ginger.  The tweezer's RRP comes in just shy of $10AU and will be a handy addition to my draws of tools.  

The two samples are both 30ml's - a One Minute Hair Treatment from GKMBJ and a Skin Glow Light Tan Extender from Aviva Inspires - both of which I have never tried before.  Of course I have received so many hair treatments this will have to get in a very long line of samples as I even have some remaining from when I was receiving Bella Box, ILoveThisBox and the (now joined with Lust Have IT) Glossy Box. 

Besides the monthly beauty card there is a promo code for "buy one get one free" from Evodia for their website and a "two for one pass" to see Liberal Arts which is released to hit our cinemas December 13th.  If you like rom-coms and not to mention the main guy from "How I Met Your Mother" this might be a movie for you.

Overall, this one of my favourite box/bags I've received from them in the last few months and I am looking forward to what their Christmas box will be and how it will be up from the 2011 festive season box from Lust Have It.  

I'm also working on an overview of my year with Lust Have It and how I have found it overall, as well as in comparison to some of the other beauty sample boxes I was subscribed too.  But my next blog will be on some of my latest favourite buys and a few bargains so stay tuned.

Vanessa Megan - Anti Ageing Kakadu Plum Serum

So I've recently mentioned what one of my favourite cosmetic brands has been since my blogging absence but what about my skincare? Well, I have had almost 5 months to test a serum that was sent to me from a line of natural and organic based skin care products form the Australian company Vanessa Megan.  If you like natural and organic products you'll like the fact that this brand was inspired by the line "You should never put anything on your skin that you wouldn't eat".

I've been happy to report that I have been enjoying the Kakadu Plum Anti Ageing Serum which retails for $48AU for 15ml and the stickered plastic bottle can be purchased online at the website store or from a range of stockists through out Australia.

You can watch my video below for an overview of the brand as well as a mini review on the serum:


                    

Although the product is named after one of the components, which is the "Kakadu Plum", the extract is actually the 8th listed ingredient in the serum.  I have liked the cooling and firming sensation from the cloudy yellow liquid when applied on my cheeks, neck & particularly on my hands.  

The runny gel-like consistency reminds me of the feeling of applying aloe vera onto the skin which I used to do quite a bit back when I had access to the plant (minus the lingering tacky residual).  In fact, aloe vera juice is actually the second listed ingredient in the product.  

I've used all but about 3-4mls or so of the product

I applied a pea sized to almond sized amount to my face, neck, declotage area and even onto the backs of my hands which I was careful to do with the pump action of the applicator least I end up with a large squirt of the runny serum.

Over the course of almost 4 months I noticed moisturised and soft skin around my cheeks an evening of my skin tone and even waking up without a mass of oiliness around my t-zone was a nice change.  This "rejuvenation" was particularly evident when I stopped using the serum as my night time treatment over the last month, at least it appeared to my (mirror) self, my husband and sometimes "too brutal" aquantances.

Apart from these little pros of the product some people might not like the price point at $48AU for 15ml. However as it is a serum you would not be slathering the product on and typically 15ml is a standard for a facial serum. It is also made from a combination of natural plant extracts and marine actives not from a page full of unpronounceable chemicals.  Although I do wish that the concentration/percentage of these natural extracts and marine actives was listed.  

I also think that the best before date should be marked on the bottle and not just the box as I don't think many would realise to check the bottom of the box for this date before throwing it away. But my tip would be for any cosmetic products or skin care for your personal use (or even professionally for your beauty clientele) you should sticker the date you open it or purchase it to help keep track.  

As it is the season for buying gifts for your loved ones check out the website for their Christmas packs.  They stock skincare for men too and even for mother and baby and if you can't decide what gift to give there is also the option of gift vouchers.

Ok beauties good luck in your gift hunting, with your skin care and also best of luck in my giveaways - mini blog giveaway and favourite brands giveaway on my Youtube channel.

(*CLOSED*) Giveaway! - Essence Cosmetics

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU TO THOSE THAT ENTERED!

Would you like long lasting silver screen eyes, sparkly barbie pink lips or shimmering grey nails for day to night glamour? Then read on.

That's right beauties for those that have stuck around while I went MIA for months I would like to do a little giveaway of Essence Cosmetics! As I mentioned in my last blog I have really enjoyed this brand both for its prices but also for the variety and quality of the make-up and tools on offer. 

Since Essence Cosmetics are launching some new lines that I haven't gotten my hands on yet, I thought you might like to try some of the old tried and true range which I have packaged in a cute size make-up bag from the Ready For Boarding line as pictured above. 

What you can win:

- Essence small Ready for Boarding make-up bag #1 Carry Me Home

- Essence Multi Action Mascara (black) 

- Essence Stay All Day Eyeshadow in #4 Stars and Stories (silver)
- Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss in #5 Super Girl (sparkly pink)

- Essence Colour and Go #83 Luxury Secret (shimmery dark grey)

How to win/Conditions of Entry:  

1. Must be a follower of Penumbra Doll Beauty blog

2. If under 18 must have guardians permission to provide your postal address

3. Must comment below on this post with "entry" and then with what your favourite items are in the Essence Cosmetic range or what is on your wish list to try from the new lines

4. Only one entry per follower (all other entries will be invalid)

5. Entries close 30th November 2012, 12pm AEDT

6. Open worldwide

7. Any entry that does not follow the conditions of entry will not be counted

8. The winning entry number will be drawn using Random Org

9. One winner will be drawn and if for any reason they are unable to provide a postal address, or if I am unable to contact them, another winner will be drawn from all valid entries (minus the previously drawn winner's entry)

Want to win more? 
Of course if you would like another change to win something and check out some of the other favourite brands of mine please enter my bigger Favourite Brands Giveaway on my Youtube channel.  I will put the link here as soon as it is available! I will be uploading it this weekend finally - YAY!

The winner will be announced a few days after the closing date

Good luck beauties! 
winner will be contacted shortly!!

Essence Cosmetics

During my self imposed "blogger hiatus" I've been enjoying the Essence Cosmetics range of products available at most Target and selected Priceline stores across the country.

The products are made in Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Luxemburg and China. Prices start at around $1.95 and I haven't seen any run over $10AU per item.

There is a good variety of items available on the stands (as shown above) and there are different collections that come out regularly which I find keep it a fun and fresh faced (excuse the pun) looking brand. Check out the Essence AU Facebook page for the latest on the range in Australia.

These are a few of my favourite things (ok all of them)

Above to the right are the products that I have tried so far and admittedly my love of the brand started thanks to a lovely gift of some glosses and mascara from the gorgeous Bini Blogs Beauty.  

Some of the products I am lovingly using up have since been discontinued but may still be available at your local stores at bargain prices, so I suggest checking out your local Target & Priceline stores for some cheap but definitely not nasty buys.

My personal favourite out of my growing collection has to be the bronzing powder from the Sun Club range in #1 Sun Lounge that even with it's orange tint is a lovely soft matte powder that gives my face a nice warm glow.  I am a sucker for any bronzer with a matte finish. Plus I picked it up for $2 in the discontinued bin.  Now who would complain at that?

I also like the Multi Colour Blush in #10 How Cute is that which has 5 stripes of blush/highlight that although is not very pigmented is a perfect size for my make up bag and was another good buy at a few dollars (shown above, bottom left)

The old Colour and Go nail polish range - see if you can grab a bargain at your local stockist

The new Colour and Go nail line arriving in store soon

There is also a new line and packaging of the Colour and Go nail polishes (right) which should be available in stores next week.





 

Twilight fans may also be interested in the new Breaking Dawn part two range that is launching in November, which is only a few days away beauties! There appears to be four fang-tabulous blushes on offer which are all on my wish-vamp list. Now what is on your must have list? 

I can't offer any of the almost-here ranges but I can give you a chance to try out some of the brand if you haven't tried it already, or even if you have, what is wrong with a little more for free?

Intrigued? Then check out my next post for my Essence cosmetics Giveaway!

BYS false eyelashes

Get those Party Eyes!

New BYS Eyelash Range

Are you a lover of long, luscious lashes? Well I know I sure am. Although my lashes are not exactly sparse, they could use a more than a little help with length & volume. So when we went away for our wedding anniversary & I got a chance to break in one of the styles in the new BYS lashes range which I was kindly sent to try.

There are 50 styles (31 of which you can view on the BYS site) that have been created for every occasion or look from high glam, sexy diva to subtle & sultry using natural fibres.

Each pack comes with a hypoallergenic adhesive that is "latex free" which dries clear. They are priced at $7.95 AU & available at Gloss Cosmetics stores, selected pharmacies & online at www.fahionaddict.com.au

Pictured above, I tried out the #25 Under Whispy style which I tired to channel my inner diva over dinner - strike that pose!

(Above left & right): My little eyelash "helpers". I used my ELF mini lash curler to give my lashes the curl I wanted before I applied the BYS lashes, my CK travel tweezers, nail scissors, Lingmei eyeliner & the Mirenesse Vibrash Mascara in electric black.

The application was fairly straight forward. I had to cut approximately 4mm off each lash so it would fit comfortably across the top of my lashes. But I found that I had to use a few coats of the adhesive to make them stick while using my little travel tweezers to attach them.

However, once the lashes were attached it only took about 15-20 seconds before I could not longer adjust them (without peeling them off again). Which I ended up doing only because I let myself get distracted by the TV!

(above: natural lighting...hotel bathroom!)

(Above) Once correctly placed on the top lash line & with a few minor "helpers" I stood back, fluttered my "enhanced" lashes & was pleasantly surprised. I felt that they gave my lashes a fuller & longer look that no amount of mascara has managed to achieve on its own. Of course I then had to spend another half an hour doing the rest of my face, style my hair & choose something to wear...

The results

(above: inside light)

(below): The with & without shot...right eye with the Under Whispy & left eye

are my natural lashes...(note to self - get some more eye drops!)

(Above): After an evening out - still going strong. Please, forgive the bloodshot look!

(no photoshopping done here)

They came off easily & after a little bit of eye makeup remover there was no adhesive residual & I even used it to clean up the lashes. Unfortunately after returning home it appears I left one of them back on the bathroom counter - that's what you get with dark brown counter tops!

Anyway, I'm keen to try a few other styles...on my wish list is #01 Lavish to make my Christmas "full" of cheer, #18 Natural Beauty to flutter in a "long" break & #19 Sultry to add the sassy to my festive pics. Although #10 Firecracker seems like a perfect little number to bat your lashes under the (or your) fireworks this New Years. Ok, ok enough word play...

So beauties, let me know in the comments below what ones you are wanting to try in the BYS range.

*I am not affiliated with, or sponsored by BYS brand cosmetics. As mentioned the eyelashes were sent to me for review purposes only , & for my genuine opinion, thanks to Niche Marketing Group.

White Glo Extreme Whitening Pen

Get Your Festive Smile A-Glo'ing!

Well beauties it's almost Christmas & no doubt there are numerous things to organise for the holidays but what about your smile? Typically not the thing that pops up on our beauty lists when we think of celebrating festivities. But what do we do most when we catch up with family & friends we only see around this time & what do we do most in those snaps of those so-called "good times"? Well (hopefully) smile!

I had never tried a whitening teeth system before, unless you count chomping on some whitening gum once. So when I received the White Glo Extreme Whitening Pen (RRP $19.99 AU) to try I was pretty keen to see if my less-than-pearly whites could be brightened up, especially for Christmas.

The White Glo Whitening Pen is designed to be fast & convenient to use practically anywhere. It comes with 2.5ml of "dental peroxide gel" & you dispense the gel onto the brush with a twist action. It is clear gel which can be applied 2-3 times a day & left on for 10-20 minutes & then rinse your mouth thoroughly. I opted for using it twice daily morning & afternoon after my dose of caffeine over a ten day period.

The White Glo pack also comes with 7 bonus Whitening Strips that I only used after I stopped testing the pen. As they are only a bonus to the pack I wanted to focus my attention on the pen form, but I did hope that the strips would enhance any effects I achieved with the pen.

Although enamel is natural translucent covering of the teeth & dentin (the filling of the teeth) is various shades of white, off white, yellowy or grey certain substances can stain the enamel. I don't drink red wine or smoke but I do favour a coffee or two, fruit juices & cola which have probably accounted for my dull slightly yellowish enamel on my teeth, especially around the inner edges.

(Above: before shot) My front teeth were not severely stained but when you get up close in my "grimace pose" the yellowing in the edges & greying over time are visible. I wanted to target the front teeth that were actually exposed in smiling, talking or grimacing which would be my 6 top teeth & 8 bottom teeth.

Like most twist pen systems (pictured above) it is at that first use a little frustrating to get the product to come out through & onto the brush. It was inevitable that I ended up getting too much gel that initial application, but after that, one half twist was more than enough to produce enough gel to cover my top & bottom teeth. I didn't experience any other issues with, or while using, the pen & there was no unpleasant taste, only a slight minty flavour from the peppermint oil.

So I could compare results, I tried to get a photo everyday in natural light with the same lip product (I used Australis lip gloss in "Contemporary" to try & even out my normally pink lips). I only started to notice an obvious difference on the third day of using it, where my teeth appeared to be more a dull white instead of a grey off white.

I also decided it was best not to talk while the product is on my teeth. It only states to not eat or drink while the treatment is on your teeth or get the gel onto your gums, but I noticed that if I talked a bit, or even smiled, I was spreading the gel everywhere else.

(Above) By Day 6 of testing I could see the overall "whiteness" is evening out & the yellowing around the edges of the bottom front teeth has started to recede. (Photo taken in natural afternoon light/overcast)

(Above: Day 10) I am glad to report that I was pleasantly surprised by the results, I could see that the "yellowy" tinges around the teeth appeared a lot lighter & overall they were more evenly a bright "off white" as opposed to a grey dirty white with yellow.

Smile!

I genuinely enjoyed the product & although I am unsure if I can confirm the White Glo claim of restoring teeth to their "brilliant original condition" as I don't have a clear up close reference photo of my teeth from my youth, I will keep the pen handy in my bag & definitely take it with me when out & about or away travelling.

I also had not experienced any sensitivity while using the product, I liked the ease of use & I thought my teeth appeared didn't just appear "whiter" but more evenly so. Since the hubby even commented on my more "even & whiter smile" I decided to move onto the strips to see how white or bright I could go with White Glo.

The bonus Extreme Whitening Strips have two patches backed with gel. The one long straight piece for the upper teeth & a shorter angled portion for the bottom teeth. It is simple matter of removing the strips from the foil & lining them up with the gums & placing them on the teeth. The remaining strip is then folded around the back of the teeth & you can leave them on for up to 30 minutes before disposing & rinsing. (Again there is no eating or drinking during this)

Above: White Glo Extreme Whitening Strips on front top & bottom teeth (taken in natural light)

However, on the third pack I had trouble getting the gel to stay on the strips when peeling them off the foil. I'm not sure if it was due to the humidity from storing them on the bathroom shelf (we have an open cabinet). But I found that if you do encounter this issue just try peeling again from the other side & very slowly it should stick on the strip.

I found that even after the first use (I went for an all out 30 minutes) of the whitening strips my teeth appeared even brighter. Although it doesn't recommend that you have to brush your teeth after removing the strips I could still feel the gel on them (it feels slightly slick) I brushed them gently just with my toothbrush in water for a few seconds & rinsed.

The ingredients for both include: glycerin, carbamide peroxide, carbomer, peppermint oil with the addition of triethanolamime in the Whitening Pen only & menthol in the Whitening Strips.

Final "smile" (photo taken in daylight/mid morning)

Overall, I have enjoyed the handy pen style to use the whitening system & it is worth trying if you just want to start out on a whitening system as it has the bonus whitening strips or are simply wanting something that will travel well.

It is also a good option at RRP of $19.99 AU before venturing out on more expensive whitening systems. (Of course for any major tooth decay or damage or you suffer from tooth sensitivity you should not use this product & see your dentist instead). Otherwise whitening toothpaste might be another option.

At the moment I'm also using the White Glo Professional Choice Toothpaste (150g) to help maintain my pearly smile & my hubby has also started attacking it. As pictured above it also comes with a bonus "anti-stain" toothbrush & flosser toothpicks, (RRP $5.49 AU). I love the tiny suction cup on the toothbrush! But for those of you heavy hot beverage drinkers out there check out the Coffee & Tea Drinkers Formula which also comes with the bonus products.

If you want to give White Glo a try, why don't you try the White Glo 14 Day Whitening Challenge? Use the White Glo Express Whitening System (which is on my wish list) & the Professional Choice Toothpaste. White Glo products are available nationwide at 3000 supermarkets & pharmacies or you can buy online.

Let please me know if you have tried any teeth whitening systems & how you found them in the comment section below, or simply what White Glo product you'd like to try...

*I am not affiliated with, or sponsored by, the White Glo brand. As mentioned the White Glo Whitening products were sent to me for review purposes only , & for my genuine opinion, thanks to Niche Marketing Group.