Gemini by Night palette by ColourPop in collaboration with Sonya Esman

Shimmers

Shades (Left to Right): Golden Gate Bridge, The Hidden Hills, Manhattan Coffee Run and Moscow Sunrise

Ultra Satin Lip - Strip (Sample)

The Ultra Satin Lip in the shade 'Strip' was an extra free and happily unexpected surprise that awaited me in the shopping cart. I would describe it as a dark nude with pink undertones (with a hint of brown). Definitely on the warmer side of the spectrum, which I feel will work wonderfully with all skin-tones!

The product has a reasonably thick consistency (not runny at all) and appears quite opaque on the lips on the first application! The formula feels smooth and creamy, and leaves only a very slight tackiness on the lips.

Despite being a satin formula, the product looks completely matte but without the dry and uncomfortable feeling! I would describe the feeling to be similar to Mac's matte lipsticks which appear matte but are reasonably comfortable to wear.

Even though it feels comfortable, the product tends to emphasise the lines in my lips, even when first applying - have a look at the photo below. The creases become even more apparent the longer I am wearing it!

Ultra Satin Lip in Strip (one layer)

I also picked up the Lippie Stix in 'Hotline', described as a deepened peach. I would definitely say this resembles Mac's Kinda Sexy, with it's peachy/apricot undertones. I am obsessed with the colour which is a combination of a peachy nude and fluorescent orange. Any brighter, and it would look extremely drying on the lips! The formula glides on the lips so smoothly and effortlessly and is genuinely one of the most comfortable matte formula's I've tried - alongside Mac's matte lipsticks!

Lippie Stix - Hotline

It does tend to emphasise the lines and crevices in the inner portion of the lips, particularly when layered so I ensure I apply lip-balm beforehand and stick to one thin application all over the lips to reduce this!

Hotline in natural light

Hotline in normal light

Swatch of theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter

One swipe of your brush on the product (I use a Real Techniques Setting Brush) is enough to cover your entire cheekbone. However, I commonly enjoy going overboard with my highlighter which means I've being using it up rather quickly!

Lasting power
I have to say the lasting power on this product isn't too impressive. I have quite dry skin to begin with so it's not as if my face is oily and causing the product to break up, but it virtually completely disappears within a couple hours. Of course it's beyond simple to re-apply but for $30 you expect something with a little more longevity.

Overall I'd give this a 4 out of 5 stars - It's pigmented, has a lovely gold undertone and isn't glitter based so it looks like you're glowing from within and is perfect for everyday wear!

Don't forget to follow me on instagram @australianbeautyblog for more updates.

Lexy xx

Hi guys! So I bought these a while ago because I LOVE matte lipsticks and, not gonna lie, everyone was madly raving about these and I'm a very curious individual.

Candy K - Liquid lipstick and liner that comes in the box

I ordered Candy K on the second restock (which was AGES ago now) and I ordered Koko K and 22 a couple restocks after that. They came to about $60 each AUD including shipping but considering you get a lipliner and lipstick, that's cheaper than buying it from MAC.

The letter from Kylie that comes with every order

Koko K and 22

Formula
Liquid lipstick
The formula is quite thin but is still incredibly pigmented and glides on the lips very smoothly. After applying, it takes about 30 seconds to completely dry, and when it has it feels like you are wearing nothing on your lips at all! It's only drying in the slightest amount. I highly recommend only applying one layer though because it starts to clump and crack if you apply more than one.

The smell is quite strong and very sweet, it smells like vanilla icing in my opinion but you cannot smell the scent when it's applied on your lips.

Lipliner
I would honestly buy the lip liner by itself if it was sold separately. It's the CREAMIEST, most pigmented and easy to use lip liner I've ever used. The lasting power is pretty impressive as well, but I'm not sure if applying it under the liquid lipstick extends how long the liquid lipstick lasts.

It's easy to overline your lips too and I find that the high quality of the liner means that it's not too obvious when you overdraw. I've already used SO much of my Candy K lipliner because I love the shade and quality.

Lipliner - Top to bottom - Candy K (My absolute favourite), Koko K, and 22

The shades

Liquid lipstick - Left to right - 22, Koko K, Candy K

Candy K
I bought Candy K before any of the others because everyone was raging on about how it was the "perfect nude" and I can't help myself when it comes to matte nude lipsticks!
HOWEVER, when trying it on, I notice the colour was MUCH darker than your every day nude. Perhaps it's because I'm pretty pale but Candy K (the far right shade in the swatch above and the demo below) comes off as a dark mauve. Honestly, I'm not a fan. It's a very mature colour and as I have reasonably small lips, it makes them look shrivelled and my face look washed out. I also have noticed it gets progressively darker the longer it's on your lips. Yikes.. I rarely apply this one by itself because of how much I dislike the colour.

Nevertheless, the lipliner is the ideal pinky "your lips but better" nude shade and is what I thought the liquid lipstick was GOING to look like. I pair the lipliner with all of my nude lipsticks and it's wonderful.

Candy K lipliner and liquid lipstick - As you can see it comes off as a mauve rather than a nude on my paler skin tone

Koko K
I bought this on my second order as it's the lightest in the bunch and since I loved the formula of Candy K, I knew I still wanted to give a lighter lip colour a go.

This looks much better on my pale skin tone in comparison to Candy K BUT when using the Koko K liner and liquid lipstick, it's a bit too light for my skin tone as it's a vibrant baby pink and I'm not about that pale lip life. So these days I use the Candy K lipliner with Koko K liquid lipstick on top to create the perfect shade (because I paid all that money and feel like I need to use it up).

Koko K lipliner with the liquid lipstick on the top

22
What's to say about this gorgeous orange/red shade? The formula is just as pigmented as the other ones, and the shade doesn't look patchy when applying. Nevertheless, it does feel a bit dryer when applying as it doesn't apply as seamlessly as the others. This one is way more longer lasting than Koko and Candy though and is much more difficult to remove as well funnily enough!

22

Lasting power
Considering how much I paid, I expected these to last longer. When I kiss the back of my hand after the lipstick dries, there is no transfer which I love.

BUT essentially after eating the lipstick is practically gone. I do lick my lips when I eat though so I'm certain that's why they come off easier. 22 is easily the shade that lasts the longest out of all of these.

Overall, I don't really like these lipsticks when considering the price. I love the lipliner as I've stated before, and the liquid lipstick is very comfortable but I feel like these kits aren't worth the money and the shades (except 22) aren't really too impressive. Candy K is way too dark and Koko K is a tad too light. It's a shame and I try to use these as much as I can but I sadly find myself reaching for my Mac lipsticks much more.

I hope this helped some of you in deciding whether you want to give these a go!

Remember to follow me on @australianbeautyblog on instagram for more beauty related posts!

Lexy xxxxx

I bought the palette because of the versatile and beautiful shades. The palette comes with both matte and shimmer shades, ranging from neutral shades perfect for the crease and lid, and glitter shades for more dramatic looks.

Top row shades (left to right): Artemis, Beaches & Cream, Luna Middle row (L->R): Cosmopolitan, Sora, Frappe

Bottom row (L_>R): Insomnia, Mars, Aphrodite

Swatches


As you can see from the swatches, all have impressive pigmentation. Beaches & Cream is a very neutral shade so it's no surprise it didn't show up too pigmented on my arm. Mars however was pretty difficult to build up when swatching, perhaps it's because I didn't use any base or primer on my arm. I should mention that Insomnia is a duochrome and has reflects of blue/green under different light!

Look I created using the palette

I did this look pretty rushed so I know it's not the best - I used a mixture of Mars (in the crease and as a base) and the duo-chrome shade Insomnia packed on top!

Overall I love this palette and will definitely be using it much more in the future! I can't wait to experiment more with the shades and create a multitude of everyday and night looks!

Follow me on instagram for more frequent updates on my latest beauty buys! @australianbeautyblog - instagram.com/australianbeautyblog

Lexy xxxx

Hi everyone! I thought I'd review and demo this mascara in a post because it's pretty incredible and great value for money.

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in the shade which I have called 'Blackest Black' retails at $21.95 from Priceline, and can also be purchased from Chemist Warehouse for around the same price!

As you can see, it has been well loved!

Applicator
The applicator is a perfect size in my opinion, and bends slightly to accommodate the shape of a lashline. I find it easy to apply product to the root of the lashes right out to the end, and leaves your lashes with a lovely curl with minimal smudging! It's also extremely easy to put it on the lower lashes, doesn't clump them together and separates and lengthens them nicely!


Demo
As you can see from the photo, this mascara gives a LOT of length. It separates lashes wonderfully and doesn't clump regardless of how many coats you do which I LOVE!

It gives a very black payoff and definitely does intensify the colour of natural lashes as any mascara should but the downside to this mascara is that after the initial coat, it doesn't do much in terms of volume.

Before

After a couple applications on top lashline

Longevity
This mascara lasts ALL DAY, doesn't crack or flake in the slightest and leaves your eyelashes curled the whole day! It will smudge if you rub your eye area though.

Rating:
Pros:

• Affordable
• Very dark colour
• Great at lengthening lashes
• Doesn't clump - Great at separating lashes
• Amazing for bottom lashes
• Doesn't crack or flake
• Lashes stay curled all day

I apply the highlighter using my Real Techniques setting brush which applies it beautifully! I bought the brush from iHerb which I have linked it to - for the cheapest price I could find!

The powder doesn't really have any distinct colour, therefore it's suitable for every single skin tone.  It can look more pink or gold in different lighting, as you will see in the swatches below!

Pigmentation
The pigmentation is everything you would want it to be for a highlighter. One swipe and your cheeks will be absolutely glowing! It should be noted however that this highlighter is extremely glittery and as it's a powder it doesn't have a very creamy consistency at all.

Swatches in different lighting

Lasting power
Unfortunately the lasting power is pretty average. After a few hours I find that the highlighter has either disappeared, faded, or the glitter from the highlighter has somehow dispersed all over my face -  so I recommend a primer to try and prevent this. Though I haven't found using a primer even helps extend its longevity. Whenever I place it in my inner corners however, it lasts all day!

Soft & Gentle applied on cheekbones and brow bone

Pros:

• Versatile colour - suitable for everyone
• Extremely pigmented
• Dynamic - can be used as multiple things
• Easy to apply

I hope this helps some of you who are thinking of getting this highlighter! I really love this product but I'm still going to look into grabbing Mary-Lou Manizer by the Balm as I've heard it's much creamier, gives a greater finish and is slightly less glittery than Soft & Gentle!
Lexy xxxx

Hey!

I bought the Kat Von D Tattoo Liquid Eyeliner in Trooper from Sephora when they had 3 days of free shipping because I heard it being raved about incessantly, and of course I was curious!
The product claims to have high-pigment, be waterproof and claims that it stays put all day with a fade-, melt-, crack-, and run-resistant finish.

It has a brush tip as you can see below, which facilitates control over the thickness and shape of your line, which is something that I definitely admire in an eyeliner. The tip feels exactly like the Maybelline Master Precise tip but unlike the cheaper alternative, does not have a "thinner" or "thicker" side, so you do need to have an element of control when using this eye-liner as it can get messy if you don't take your time to draw the line to the thickness you want. 

The brush tip

Pigmentation
I heard from other reviewers this eyeliner was completely matte black, but as you will be able to observe by the swatches and demonstrative photo below, the product still has a very very slight shiny finish that tends to reflect light very easily. I've used other eyeliners that have been more matte black than this one as well so I thought I'd mention it.

Swatches, top - one stroke, bottom - a couple strokes to create a thicker line

The pigmentation was also a slight let down when trying out the product, as I found myself having to go over the line a couple times to get the line to be the intense black colour that I wanted. Nevertheless the product comes out very easily and has MUCH better pigmentation than cheaper alternatives but isn't the darkest on the market. (I found the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner was slightly darker than this for example)

Lasting Power
The product lasts reasonably well when wearing it for many hours. Of course, to maintain a really dark intense colour you'd want to reapply after maybe 4 hours as it fades the tiniest amount, but other than that the eyeliner still looks really amazing after hours of wear and doesn't crack or flake at all!


Waterproof
The product doesn't smudge either which is a major tick in my books. You have to rub quite hard to get the product to move anywhere without water which I love!

As for being waterproof - this product definitely gets a tick from me. Water won't make the liner budge at all!

Rating
Pros:

• Doesn't smudge, flake or crack
• Is waterproof
• Easy application
• Can achieve a thin precise wing easily
• Lasts all day

Feel free to follow me on instagram where I post relatively often - @australianbeautyblog!

Lexy xxxxxx

I purchased the palette from Mecca for around $70 for myself for my birthday and bought something worth $5 so I could get free shipping!


This palette was non-stop raved about on social media and youtube so I figured I needed something that I would always use for more special occassions because I never really owned a high-end palette or a palette that supplied me with a diverse range of both matte and glitter shades.
The palette does indeed smell like cocoa which is a lovely touch but contrary to what every other reviewer and their mother has said, the typical 'eyeshadow smell' is still apparent - if that makes any sense!

The names of all the shadows

Pigmentation
As you can see from the swatches below, the colours are insanely pigmented and I can honestly say after using this palette for a long time - it blends tremendously well and you can build up the lighter shades to the darkness that you want easily!

Lasting power
The lasting power is impressive as well - having worn these shades clubbing on several occasions, the shades didn't fade or smudge (when using an eye-shadow primer) and creased only very minimally!

Top row (starting from the bottom the shades go from left to right)

Middle row

Bottom row

The only main weakness in the palette is the lighter shades, particularly White Chocolate and Strawberry Bon Bon as they do not have nearly as much pigmentation as they should have for a palette of this price. Nevertheless White Chocolate is still a great matte white shade to use to set eyeshadow primer and it works a charm.

Overall I highly recommend this palette to anyone searching to make their first purchase of a high-end eyeshadow palette but in saying that if you're short on money, please do not feel pressured to buy this palette because everyone else is saying that you NEED it in your life. There are plenty of great alternatives on the market (e.g. Morphe palettes - I have a review on the 35O palette if you're interested) that are fantastic value for money and may be more in your price range!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the day wherever you are in the world!

Lexy xxxx