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.

Spray Fresh Antiperspirant Deodorant

My New Necessity - Spray Fresh Antiperspirant

When I first arrived on these fair Sydney shores in the height of summer 11 years ago I was shocked hard by the humidity. Over the years I have used anti-perspirants to help control "sticky situations" but typically I have to resort to taking a roll-on & a deodorant spray, plus wipes with me, especially if I have a long day ahead. So any old antiperspirant & roll on combo simply became a necessity whenever venturing out in hot weather.

To be honest when I was sent Spray Fresh to try I had not used it before even though the high performance brand has been around for an impressive 30 years*. I had high hopes with the 24 hour protection boast, not because I plan to go 24hrs without showering in the height of summer, but I no longer have the space to carry multiple roll ons & sprays to keep any sweaty odour at bay. Most of my take-out beauty items are now being replaced by items to keep baby fresh, fed & entertained on a trip out.

There are four sprays in the Women's range: Soft, Baby Powder, Pure & Sensitive with the Soft line also coming in a roll-on form. The sprays are 150g & priced in Australia at $3.99 RRP while the roll-on provides 60ml of product for $2.99 RRP.

I recieved the Baby Powder spray & the Soft roll-on products to try. I admit I drooled over the Baby Powder scent even though I use the stuff daily on the little bub. It's a lovely light powdery scent & once it warms up on the body it's pretty much a dupe for baby powder.

However the baby powder fragrance is not overpowering & the gentle scent shouldn't make think people start to conjure up images of baby's bottoms when you pass by. To my nose it simply provides a mild, almost sweet freshness, that like the range claims doesn't "clash with your favourite perfume".

I tested each for a week, (the spray in week one & then the roll-on in the second week), applying the deodorant only in the morning (that's at 5am beauties!) as I got ready to face the day. While here, in the third week, I have used both products in combination - the roll on then the spray over the body. Being a daily "razor girl", I was pleased that the spray & the roll-on didn't sting & I liked that they do not contain alcohol.

Surprisingly enough after a few weeks testing both the anti-perspirants I didn't need to re-apply either to keep feeling fresh. I try to get a bit active everyday by walking in clammy humid spring days, cleaning ridiculous amounts indoors & rolling around with bub in our non-air conditioned flat. I will also update once I go back full-time to my very physical job, but this looks like Spray Fresh is a winner to take me into those summer days very shortly.

Although in the first week I was VERY tempted to slather on that roll-on & I kept worrying that my underarms could not possibly cope without a "touch up" . Of course I did still sweat, (that's a given of having pores) but unlike my face most of my body felt less clammy but not sticky & my under arms were not in desperate need of deodorising. So that's a thumbs up from me & no doubt from anyone around me!

In fact I was doing my groceries in Coles recently (can you believe at 6am so I would be back before hubby & bub were up!) & was happy to snag another product from the Spray Fresh range. I bought the "Soft" spray for $3.89 (as pictured below) as I want to make sure I have enough once I get back to my labour intensive job late December.

The Spray Fresh Soft spray antiperspirant is a light floral scent which reminds me of rose scented soap. It was good to note that apart from the grocery generic range, & one other brand, that the Spray Fresh range was the cheapest anti-perspirant deodorant items on the shelves. So keeping dry & fresh doesn't mean I can't keep my purse happy!

There is also the Men's range - Activ, Men & Sport, which are available in three 150g spray anti-perspirant deodorants & like the ladies range is priced at $3.99 RRP. There is also a roll-on in the Activ, Men & Sport & RRP is $2.99 AU.

Check out other body care solutions at www.aspenhealth.com.au

So beauties...Do you prefer spray or roll-on deodorant as your antiperspirant? What's some other "hot weather" necessities for you? Let me know in the comments below

*I am not affiliated with the Spray Fresh brand or Aspen Health Australia. As mentioned the Spray Fresh Baby Powder spray & the Soft roll on deodorant were sent to me for review purposes only thanks to Niche Marketing Group. However, I purchased the Spray Fresh Soft deodorant spray at standard RRP. I have received no reimbursement for any review/s.

LUST HAVE IT!

Rush to Have it for LUST HAVE IT!

There are quite a few companies that sell monthly (or yearly) subscriptions to cosmetic samples that are sent out every month. Different companies have certain brands on their books & send out 5-6 samples in each box.

Lust have it! was the first company to launch this idea into Australia in July 2010. I was initially "introduced" to the goodies that LustHaveIt! offers at the Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend.

At the AABW event we all received a box especially put together for the weekend but I took my time to review this because I wanted to see if I really made use of the samples that came with these boxes of mini beauty products.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the little samples in the goody box & best of all some of the treats are even full size! My favourites out of the ABBW box are the full size Mirenesse Vibralash Mascara (RRP $49.95AU) & the sample size Laura Mercier Foundation primer which I have almost used up completely as I found myself reaching for them so much. I have just embarked on using the BioEffect EGF serum sample which, although only 3g, the full size of 15ml is priced at $180AU.

I loved the samples so much that I quickly began to use all the treats up & decided to give a monthly subscription a try. The cost monthly is $14.95AU & I have since received a further two boxes - October & November - which I have already delved into using.

The October Lust Have It Box

(Pictured Top Left)

-Taut Collagen Orange Drink (RRP box of 8 $84.95AU)

- Lancome Genifique Youth Activator, 2 x 5ml sample of 5ml (Full size is $115AU for 30ml)

- Lush Honey I Washed the Kids sample of 53g (I had to crack the scales out for this one)

- Lily Cosmetics Cream Blush sample of 2.04g (Full size of just a smidgen more at 2.5g is RRP $14.95 AU)

(Top right)

- Kerastase 10 g samples, (top row) Ciment Anti-Usure Treatment x2 & Ciment Thermique

x 2 & (bottom row) is Bain Satin x2 (although the card actually states Bain de Force). Full sizes are RRP $39.50 for 150ml

November Lust Have It Box

Items included:

- Nude by Nature Full size Mineral Lip Liner in Chique Natural Mineral RRP $14.95 AU

- Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose 2 x 1.5ml samples (Full size $79AU for 30ml)

- Hawley International's Miracle Shine 2 Step Miracle Nail Shiner RRP $6.95 AU

- Kerastase Nectar Thermique 5 x 10g samples (Full size is 150ml RRP $39.50 AU)

- 5ml Sample size RoC Complete Lift NEW Technology Daily Moisturiser (Full size of 5oml, RRP $59AU)

What I love About Lust Have It!

I like that you can get a chance to try some brands that are a tad on the pricey side in Australia i.e I'm not a fan of buying an expensive, full size product only to end up only using a sample sized portion because I don't like it.

I am also loving that I don't just get one meager tube or packet of each sample even of some of the more pricey sized items. Sometimes I have gotten a third of the full size & that way I get a chance to test it longer & even give some to my friends & family to try (hmm, good marketing, or simple box filling?). I certainly can't complain that some of the items are even full size & they alone outweigh the cost of the box that month!

Being a lover of buying online & revelling in the delivery of my goody boxes from time to time, it is a lovely treat to have one of these boxes turn up each month. As pictured above, I love the ceremony of opening the boxes! Yes folks, I do so like that feeling of "I wonder if that (or which) package will come today?" - it's the ever hopeful online shoppers morning thought.

Best of all, if you ever need to you can unsubscribe without resorting to nitty paperwork, phone calls or messy refunds....well that is what the site purports (i'll get back to you all on that one if I ever do leave!) I might consider this option if I find myself hoarding more than I can ever use or give away.

Gotta Love Reward Points (that you can actually use)

For every completed monthly order you receive 15 reward points which you can redeem for purchases. Furthermore, when you complete the feedback form for that months order you can earn a further 10 points. You can buy beauty products online from some of the brands & redeem your points against the purchases & you still accumulate points from each item you buy!

Check out www.lusthaveit.com.au now

I'm looking forward to Decembers Lust have it! goody box with great anticipation. So let me know in the comments below what beauty subscriptions you are lusting after...

Get Your Game Plan On & Win!

Ok folks, the weather is warming up & we are only 7 weeks away from summer here in our fair land. That means for some, including myself, time to get into better shape inside & out. Having also had a baby three months ago I know there are plenty of fitness & health goals I am wanting to reach.

For some it definitely helps to have a personal guide to turn to for healthy eating tips & tools to help inspire you on your healthy body journey. Since you're here reading this blog I'm sure you can appreciate how useful online resources are & so thompsonsgameplan.com.au may be the site for you.

I have already embarked on my "better eating" & I am going for walks with the bub where a car ride may have normally sufficed. But I needed focus, & a proper plan, so it was great to get a heads up from Prickly Pear about this website. (Note: Hold those skipping ropes, I'd like to point out that I am in no way affiliated with Thompson's Nutrition or getting anything to promote their "game on" site, well except getting healthier & fitter that is!)

For me, my personal game plan is focusing on "energy & stress management" & "fatigue". Having a bouncing 3 month old & going back to work full-time shortly, this sounded like what I need! Although I had to tweak it a bit to optimally suit my current lifestyle.

Image courtesy of Thompson's Nutrition

You can then tailor your "game plan" by the type of targeted eating style you want & I chose "optimal health". The plan also provides meal options & I am finding the nutritional recipe ideas very helpful. It even suggests exercise programs, which is great as one of my aims is to shift some kilos, so it's no surprise that I've picked the exercise regiment "loosing weight".

Try the resources to learn your target heart rate & even track your "health age" as opposed to your actual age. You can do this via the handy interactive tools from the online diary & best of all, it's free. Yes beauties not cent to join so go find your game plan & register for your personal diary!

ENTER NOW TO WIN! Hey some of you are doing sit ups already & pointing out that there is "win!" in the blog heading. That's right beauties, how does a $10,000 wellness package sound? Now that's some inspiration! So quick smart, head over to the healthy living website & register for the competition running until the 23rd October 2011.

The wellness package includes a personal trainer, massages (oh yeah!), naturopathy session, spa treatments & a life coach for a WHOLE YEAR! Plus there are 60 Women's or Men's Health subscriptions to be won weekly until the 23rd October all thanks to Thompson's nutrition.

Simply pick up your favourite Thompson's product & use the barcode to enter, maybe even try the new Green Coffee Complex (pictured above). If you don't win you can still ask a naturopath for advice, & there is an online forum for discussing any health queries you might have.

Also check out Robbie Deans, a coach of Australia's International Union team the Wallabies, who has inspirational Youtube videos offering tips to help motivate & achieve your goals to get healthy. So "don't roll your eyes go, exercise" get those finger tips a clicking!

Robbie Deans:

1. Set realistic goals and identify what changes you need to make

2. Get into habit of having a healthy lifestyle

3. Stay motivated and redouble your efforts to reach your prize

4.Celebrating even those little "wins"

5. Short-term focus and a long-term outlook

6. Keep your eye on the prize

7. Positive thinking to help make positive choices