little white truths

I introduced this cleanser as part of my recent declutter post (see here), but I've actually been using it for close to a month now - it's just that it took me ages to get that post up.

I can't remember exactly when I received it, but it came with an Adore Beauty order at some point earlier this year.

Asap is one of those brands that I've never bought anything from but I do keep receiving Asap samples along with orders, so I feel like I have some idea of what the products are like.

Asap claims/product details:

When I went to review this product, I was surprised to find that it's had a lot of reviews on various websites (see eg Adore Beauty).

It's not a product I'd ever heard about before receiving it, but it's obviously well-loved by many: most people have given it five stars. While I personally wouldn't rate it that highly, I do think it's nice and I can see why it's a favourite of those with super sensitive skin. More on that in a tick.

Verdict

This is a nice, gentle everyday cleanser and while I'm enjoying it, it's not a stand-out for me and it's not one I would buy.

It's a clear gel with a light, slightly sweet and slightly herbal scent. You lather up a small amount and apply it to your damp face, and I do like that it lathers a little so it feels like it cleans - but I wouldn't call it a foaming cleanser.

Once applied, it feels gentle and silky, and it never strips my skin or dries it out. I agree that it would suit sensitive skin because it hasn't irritated my (sometimes) sensitive skin and my pH strips rate it at about a six so it's not too astringent.

I prefer this as a second cleanse in the morning, after I've used my cleansing oil. I've tried it a few times as my evening cleanser, but it doesn't do a great job of removing makeup and I always need to double cleanse with it to remove everything. So it's not a super effective cleanser in my experiencce, but it's fine for morning use.

After use my skin feels clean, lightly moisturised and soft, and ready for the rest of my skincare. It's one of those cleansers that feels nice to apply and suits the morning position, but I wouldn't call it the cleanser to end all cleansers.

Indeed, I've used other gentle cleansers that feel like they clean my skin a little better than this one does. Eg, I prefer SebaMed's offering (reviewed here), which is very gentle too and it's also cheaper.

So in sum, this is a decent everyday cleanser and I've been happy enough to use mine, but it's not one I would buy.

Good but not great.

You may remember that I included this foundation in one of my recent sachet posts (see here), and I'm back today to give you some swatches and first impressions.

Long story short, I thought I would absolutely hate it but I don't. Sure it's too full-coverage for me so I wouldn't buy it, but at least I could work with it and find a way to enjoy it - and I can't say that for all heavy-duty foundations so there you go.

The product retails for $49 AUD so it's not the most expensive foundation on the market, although it's not cheap either. Still, at least with Sephora you can wait for a 20 per cent off sale.

Now for swatches. Below I've given you a heavy blob, a partially blended one and a blended one - in a few different lights.

Indirect sunlight:

Direct sunlight:

Natural light (outdoors):

Natural light (indoors):

Verdict

This is obviously a first impressions post and I've only worn the product a handful of times - so if you're after an in-depth review, this isn't it. But I do have some thoughts to share that might be helpful to someone.

First, the product has a weird, mealy scent that I'm not a fan of, but it's not very strong so I'm only aware of it if I hold the foundation up to my nose.

It's fluid and a little paint-like in texture (and it does look a bit like paint until you blend it in), but fortunately I found it a lot easier to work with than I have many other thicker foundations. Sometimes I have trouble blending heavy-duty products out, but I didn't with this so that's a plus.

Note that the coverage isn't full straight out of the starting gate: I got more of a medium with this when I wore it alone, but I'm sure you could build it if you wanted to - it's just that I didn't.

Medium 54 is described as 'medium with yellow undertones', and I agree with that. It was too dark for me, but I lived with that because I wasn't going out when I wore it so it didn't matter that the colour was off.

It did dry down but it still had a slightly tacky feel to it so I ended up setting it with a tiny bit of powder. The finish wasn't a true matte: I would call it more of a satin-matte, which I liked because it didn't look drying or flat on the skin. 

It wore well throughout the day, but best of all, it didn't sit in pores or cling to dry patches - and it looked more like skin than I expected. Yes you could tell I was wearing foundation, but it wasn't mask-like so I was pleased about that.

Also note that you can mix this foundation with the primer (which was also part of my sample cards) for a sheerer coverage. I did this on four occasions and really liked it! It was dewy, it looked like skin, and it didn't emphasise texture. If KVD released a product that was like this mix, I may well buy it - but I wouldn't go out and buy both the foundation and primer for the purposes of mixing them on the daily. I liked the combination, but not that much.

Worth noting too is that I swatched the foundation alone on the back of my hand while writing this review (hands being a good place to test foundation because they have so much texture), and I don't think my hand has ever looked so airbrushed! The product has a smoothing effect and it hasn't sunk into lines, not a single one. Tick.

Overall I think this a good foundation and although it's probably better suited to those with oily skin who like more coverage than I do, the fact that it played well with my dry skin (and my preference for a lighter coverage) says a lot.

Decent.

Hello and welcome to this little unboxing post.

Since it's Mecca's 20th birthday this year, things have been done a little differently and we received a special birthday gift (unboxed here), plus this special edition Beauty Loop Box.

Levels 1, 2 and 3 received different gifts, and today I have the L3 one to show you.

The products come in fun neon packaging, which of course has played havoc with my camera and given me grey-washed, fuzzy images. So thank you packing ; ) 

Sooner or later I'll have to take a crash course in photography so I know how to deal with situations like that. Perhaps when the toddlers are older...

So, we received two things: a liquid highlighter and a lip balm. Let's have a quick look at each.

Mecca Cosmetica Lit From Within Illuminating Drops (RRP $45 AUD for 15ml)

At first I thought this was a sample but looks like the full size is 15ml, so there you go.

Apparently the product contains ultra-pigmented illuminating drops that adorn the skin with a delicate sheen. They can be mixed with moisturiser, primer, SPF or foundation to add luminosity, or applied directly to the skin as a serum to balance skintone, offset uneven pigmentation and blur imperfections.

I haven't swatched these in-store before so I'm not sure what they're like, but I'll certainly use them. I'm about to finish a liquid illuminator via Project Pan so these have filled a gap in my collection.

Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious SPF 25 (RRP $28 AUD for 11g)

This is a well-loved product in the beauty community and it won't go astray. I've reviewed one here.

It claims to hydrate and condition lips with a botanical-rich, lip-loving formula. It contains shea butter, hyaluronic filling spheres, pomegranate seed oil, vitamin e and SPF 25 for beautifully soft, SPF protected lips.

This is a limited edition tub in the shade Peach Shimmer, and I'm looking forward to using it. That won't be until next year, though: I have far too many lip products to get through before I open this one.

In sum

That's all from me! I hope you're happy with your October Beauty Loop Box, whatever goodies you received.

I'm happy with mine but I'm glad they've only done one of these birthday edition boxes this year: I do prefer to receive the standard box with four samples from different brands, because we receive Mecca-branded products quite often and it's nice to try other things.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x

Hello and welcome to October's Project Pan update!

It hasn't been my best PP month this year, but it has been a pretty good one and I've happily managed to finish some of my larger products this month.

I've been really keen to do another one of these sample clear-outs before the end of the year, since I've somehow found myself with truckloads of smaller items during 2017.

So this will be my last one for 2017, but never fear because I'll be back with more in the new year ; )

As always what I'll do now is introduce each item, then I'll be back with mini reviews once I've used everything. Three of the products in this lot are also large enough for separate, full reviews - so stay tuned for those if you're interested.

In no particular order...

OUiGLO Rich Collagen Face Mask x 3

If you read this blog, you'll know that I'm no friend of sheet masks - they rarely do anything for me; they're expensive for one-use products; and that's also a lot of packaging/material going into a single-use product, so how environmentally friendly can they be? - but I know I'm in the minority there because most people seem to love them.

These ones apparently contain a blend of collagen and fruit extracts to exfoliate gently and give you a dewy glow. Other ingredients include apricot, grapefruit and cucumber. They came from Maslow & Co in our last boxes.

What I plan to do is use one, see how good/bad it is, and then I'll declutter the other two if they don't work for me. We'll see.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

This is described as a super-smoothing and bestselling synergy of 20% shea butter, vitamin e, honey and sweet almond extract, blended with the scent of jasmine. It should absorb well, to help heal and protect dry or dehydrated skin. 

I actually have two of these (the second one isn't pictured) because I thought I'd already reviewed it so I was going to pass on the extra one to a friend, but turns out I haven't so I'll definitely use both and review the formula in the coming weeks. I have used this before so I already know I like it, but it's been ages since I had one so it will be nice to try it again.

Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion 

With broad spectrum sun protection and a moisturising formula, this sunscreen claims to guard against harmful UV rays and also nourish your skin. It combines strong UVA and UVB filters that shield the skin from sun damage with a caring formula, containing panthenol and vitamin e to protect the skin from the drying effects of the sun.

I haven't used this before and I'm always in the market for a good sunscreen, so hopefully this one's decent. I'm currently looking for a budget facial sunscreen that isn't too greasy, because although I love my Mecca To Save Face, it costs a bit more and I'd prefer to have a cheaper option that I love just as much.

Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil

This is a special blend of jasmine flower extract and botanical oils, and it should dissolve surface impurities and makeup without disrupting the skin's natural balance. After use, your skin should feel soothed, supple and comfortable.

I'm always up for trying a new cleansing oil so I'm excited about this product. And lucky me, I have two of them! I have a vague memory of trying it before and really enjoying it, but I suspect this was before I started blogging. So because I have 30ml of product to try, I'll be doing a separate full review of this item also. Looking forward! 

Asap Gentle Cleansing Gel

This is described as a light-lathering, soap-free cleanser that's formulated to gently and thoroughly cleanse the skin. It removes makeup and excess oil, while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance. It's suitable for all skin types and perfect for sensitive skin. 

I've used quite a few Asap samples over the years and they've all come from Adore Beauty, as this one did. There's 15ml in the tube, which is more than enough to get a good feel for a cleanser so I'll definitely do a separate review of this product. I do also need to get through some cleansers so it will be nice to send another one packing.

Goldwell Kerasilk Repower Volume Shampoo 

This is described as a gentle, lightweight and cleansing shampoo formulated with keratin and elastin. It apparently offers the ideal foundation for body and fullness with colour protection. 

This came as a freebie in a Beautyheaven Beautorium haul, and as you may know, I really hate receiving haircare without its partner (so in this case, the matching conditioner). I just don't think you can test items properly unless you have both, which is why I've thrown this product into one of these declutters - I'll be able to give it a mini review but that's it.

  

Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial and Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

These products don't need much introduction because they're well-loved in the beauty community, and for good reason: they're both fantastic.

I've reviewed the Flash Rinse here. It calls itself a transforming treatment that instantly revitalises and visibly rejuvenates the skin, and it should leave skin looking firm, toned and smoothed. It also claims to reduce the signs of fatigue. Happily I can confirm that it does those things, and I'm pleased to have the product back in circulation again after finishing mine earlier in the year.

I've reviewed the Glycolactic product here. It's described as a potent bio active peel mask that's designed to refresh and renew the complexion, reduce fine lines and dramatically improve skintone, firmness and radiance. I just used it again this morning after finishing my full size a few months ago, and I was pleased to find that I love it just as much as I always did.

Both these samples came in Mecca Beauty Loop boxes and I'm glad I received them because it's delayed me buying them again.

In sum

That's all from me! I'm looking forward to using these and I'm especially looking forward to clearing out more smaller items from the cupboard - I have too many!

I'll check back in soon with mini reviews of everything, so stay tuned for those if you're interested.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x

Hello and welcome to my third empties post for October 2017. I'm glad I managed to squeeze in these photos yesterday because I've finished lots of products this month and it's always good to start a new month with less stuff in the empties bin.

Note that this empties post will be a little different because it contains all Project Pan items - meaning that I've already talked about them heaps so I won't go on too much about them here or I'll bore you to tears.

So without further ado...

Next, lip products:

• Maybelline Colour Sensational Rebel Bloom Lipcolour in 730 Orchid Ecstasy: full review here. This is my favourite lipstick formula, quite possibly of all time. Yes I've found some high-end formulas that are lovely, but I really don't think you can beat the quality and price of this one. It's hydrating, it lasts well and it doesn't emphasise texture. Repurchase? Yes.
• NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel: I'm sure you've heard everyone rave about these and they're not wrong - these glosses are fantastic and I can't wait to try more of them. They're comfortable and hydrating, they come in great colours, and you can pick them up for a song if you wait for specials. I've reviewed this one here. Repurchase? Yes.
• Stevie K Matte Lipstick in King Kylie: full review here. This was ok but the colour didn't suit me (too pale) and it was also quite drying, plus it emphasised lip lines so it's not something I would buy. Fortunately I got through it quickly though, because it went on so thickly that it vanished like nobody's business. Purchase? No.
• Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in #13 Woodrose: I really didn't like this and I'm wondering whether it was responsible for giving me little white dots on my lips. Plus it was drying, it feathered and bled, and it emphasised lip lines so it just wasn't flattering. It didn't wear well either. I've reviewed it here. Purchase? No.

• Clarins Beauty Flash Balm: full review here. I've had a long relationship with this product and I almost always have one in my collection. I apply it over makeup and it plumps up my skin and takes a few years off my face, plus it adds some much-needed hydration to my dry skin. I'll miss it. Repurchase? Yes.
• Wyte Luxe Whitening Applicator: this came from Maslow & Co and it's a decent product, it's just that I don't have time for tooth-whitening these days - which is why I put it on my Project Pan list, to remind myself to use it. It's easy to use and it does work, it's just one of those extra steps that I don't find essential these days. I've reviewed it here. Purchase? No.
• Pureplus+ Milk Bebe Lip Treatment: full review here. I really enjoyed this while I had it, but unfortunately I lost it twice (once this year, once last year), so by the time I found it again and brought it back into circulation, it had turned. Annoying! But it felt nice, wore well and plumped up my lips, so it's a product I would use again. Purchase? Maybe.
• Stila Stay All Day Sun Bronzer in Dark: I loved this bronzer so I'm sad that it's been discontinued. It was finely milled, pigmented and it blended well, but more than anything, I really loved the colour and I've saved a tiny bit of product so I can search for dupes in future. I've reviewed it here. Fingers crossed that Stila brings it back! Repurchase? Yes, if I could.

I've been really keen to knock out another round of sachets during October: that way I can spend November and December working on some travel-sized samples and minis, which I also need to do.

My aim is to start 2018 with less small stuff in the cupboards; for some reason I've collected too much smaller stuff over 2017 (more so than in previous years), to the point where I have more of that than I do full-sized products.

Anyhoo. Let's have a look.

This is described as powerful, anti-ageing care for sensitive eyes. It claims to be a velvety smooth eye serum that hydrates the delicate eye area while addressing fine lines and wrinkles.

I must say, I absolutely loved this. It's super rich and a little oily in texture, and my dry skin couldn't get enough of it. You only need the tiniest amount each time so even these little samples lasted a while, and I found that the product worked well for both day and night use because it sat comfortably under makeup but was still hydrating enough to keep my dry eyes comfortable overnight.

You can find this online for around $60 AUD so it's not the most expensive eye product on the market, and I'll certainly be looking out for specials because it's the right kind of eye cream for me.

Welcome to my next round of Project Dent for 2017!

This next product I've wanted to dent for ages, it's just that I've been focusing on working out which products to pan next year so I've been denting those.

But it's a good time to work on this one now, since I've closed Pan that Palette for the year and it won't be competing with other shadows I'm trying to finish.

I don't own much from Too Faced, and this palette and the Peanut Butter & Jelly one are the only two eyeshadow palettes I own from the brand. I bought this one first, fell in love with it, then went back for seconds.

While I have swatched the larger Too Faced palettes (the Chocolate Bars, Sweet Peach etc), none of them called to me and to be honest, I'm not a fan of the packaging. Yes that puts me in the minority, but a lot of it feels a bit 'young' and inelegant to me - and since I keep my makeup out on display and not tucked away in drawers, I'm more swayed by packaging than I probably should be because I don't want to look at anything that I don't like.

Anyhoo. I do like the packaging of this particular Too Faced palette, so there you go.

I haven't reviewed this palette yet, so I hope to do that over the next couple of weeks.

What I can tell you now, though, is that I absolutely love it - and every time I use it again after having forgotten about it for a while, I wonder why I don't just use it every day. Honestly, it's fantastic.

Worth noting is that I also own Kat Von D's Shade & Light, and while I think the formula of both is great, I prefer the colours of this Too Faced one. I just think the pink/plum row across the middle makes it more versatile, and even though the KVD has more shades, I find that some of the ones in the neutral and cool quads are interchangeable on me - while every shade in this Too Faced palette performs a separate function. Even Cashmere Bunny and Nudie (which look very similar in the pan) are different enough on the eye that I do use them for different things.

Here's how my palette is looking today, 29 October 2017:

Same shot, enhanced for clarity:

Back on 13 October, I introduced this Hourglass blush palette to my Project Dent series for the second time.

After using it daily since then, I'm ready to give it a rest and update you on my progress. 

Funnily enough, October has brought my most useful rounds of Project Dent to date: not only did I finally work out how to pan my Burberry quad so I wasn't hating it, but I've also made some good headway in this palette and I'm starting to think that I should pan it next year.

If you're interested in seeing my review of this palette, it's here.

And my intro post for this round of Project Dent is here if you'd like to see that.

So. Here's how my palette looked before I dented it last time (and note I've enhanced all the below shots for clarity, so the blushes aren't quite true to colour):

Here's how it looked after my last round of Project Dent:

Luminous Flush now:

Incandescent Electra now:

Mood Exposure now:

  

As you can see above, I've really gone to town on this thing! It looks battered and bruised, but despite this, I still love it just as much as I always did - perhaps even more.

Last time I was able to make visible progress by getting a small eyeshadow brush into the Ambient Lighting Powder parts of the marbling (so the pale parts of each pan) and using the product I removed as both a setting powder and also a highlighter. 

I did that again this time, which is why I've been able to make significant dents in Mood Exposure and Incandescent Electra in particular (unfortunately it's harder to do that with Luminous Flush, since I didn't get enough larger patches of white in that particular shade).

What I also discovered during this round of Project Dent is that, if I focus my brush in Incandescent Electra so that I get mostly white but some peach, it makes the most beautiful highlighter - it's this pearl shade with a hint of peach and it looks gorgeous. If Hourglass released a separate highlighter in that shade, I would absolutely buy it.

Also like last time, I used these shades not only on the cheeks, as setting powders and as highlighters, but also on the eyes. And turns out it was a good palette to work on alongside the Burberry one because the shades in this brought life to the dud ones in the Burberry quad.

So, the big question now is whether I'm going to pan this next year alongside the Burberry quad. That depends on whether I can get my hands on Incandescent Electra as a single, and I'm still waiting to hear back from both Hourglass and Mecca as to whether it's been discontinued (it exists as a strobe blush but I find that formula too shiny), so the jury's still out.

Now, to choose my next item for Project Dent...

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x