Polkadotpaw

17 June 2016

Daiso Winmax Matte Finish Top Coat Review & Swatches

Look what I found at Daiso! A Matte top coat! I was hoping to stumble upon some matte liquid lipsticks (which I think they are going to release some soon, seeing the popularity of it). However, I found the last (Lucky Last!) bottle of matte top coat instead and decided to give it a try. It was staring back at me in the face while screaming "MATTE".

For only AU$2.80, why not? I've been wanting to get something similar and affordable from Essence but to no avail.

I quite like this matte top coat as it did not disappoint. It dries almost immediately after application but be warned it still needs a bit of time to actually dry up. Love the frosted finish it gives to the nails!

I'll probably post an update on its wear time. Now, I hope you enjoy the swatches:

Daiso Winmax Matte Top Finish Top Coat

Daiso Winmax Matte Finish Top Coat + OPI In The Cable Car-Pool Lane underneath

Have you tried any Daiso products that wowed you? Let me know!

Cheers,

Polkadotpaw

11 June 2016

FOTD & NOTD

FOTD & NOTD See what's on my hair, face and nails x

FOTD - Esteé Lauder, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Revlon, Maybelline, Boe Beauty, BYS, Daiso

Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Négligée (Matte)

HAIR Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color in 60 Dark Ash Blonde FACE Left face (that's my right side of face) Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation in 4.0 Natural Right face (that's my left side of face) Estée Lauder Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact in 2W2 Rattan Boe Beauty Blush Powder in #91 Pink Goddess EYES RiRi Hearts MAC Eyeshadow Quad in Smoked Cocoa Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Chocolate Caviar Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black Maybelline The Rocket Mascara Daiso Eyebrow Pencil LIPS BYS Velvet Lips Liquid Lipstick in Bare Beauty NAILS Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Négligée (Matte)

04 June 2016

Mode Matte Lip Cream Swatch & Review in Sleeping Beauty

These lip creams are only AU$3 at Coles. They come in five different shades ranging from a nude, pinks, purples and a red. They're Sleeping Beauty, Jadore, Exotic Jewel, Russian Skies and Hottie.

I got the shade in Sleeping Beauty and it appears to be a warm coral shade in the tube. It's more like bright, neon-y coral pink. I've seen a couple of swatches and reviews online, it looks really bright even on pale/light Caucasian skin tones so fingers crossed and I just bought it anyway because.. AU$3.

It's very pigmented and it dries somewhat powdery on the lips. It actually feels pretty comfortable and I don't mind it at all. I just wish they had more shades that will be suitable for warmer skin tones.

Onto the swatches:

Look at how pretty it is in the tube

Mode Matte Lip Cream in Sleeping Beauty without flash

Mode Matte Lip Cream in Sleeping Beauty with flash

Mode Matte Lip Cream in Sleeping Beauty on full-faced makeup

Mode Matte Lip Cream in Sleeping Beauty Smile I think it makes the teeth look somewhat yellow

The only way to make this work on warmer complexions is to use it on full makeup face. And wear light / bright clothes so there will be less of a contrast. The uneven skin tones (usually on coloured women) will make this shade look even brighter on your face. To call it Sleeping Beauty when it's such a loud colour, it's a bit ironic isn't it?
I also had to pair this with my Illamasqua blusher in Lover (a soft apricot that looks like a bright orange in the pan) to pull my look together and make my lips look less stark. I LOVE Illamasqua blushers they are so pigmented and finely milled!

I really hope Mode will come up with warmer shades that will be suitable for everyday wear. Otherwise, I have no complaints at all.

UPDATE: I really love the formula of this matte liquid lipstick as it dries fast and it doesn't leave flakes or anything when i wet my lips as some matte liquid lipsticks do. If it comes in contact with any oily food, it will fade, that's a given but it still fades nicely. I am definitely looking into getting the other shades in range.

Cheers,

Polkdotpaw

13 June 2015

Australis METALLIX Eyeshadow Swatches

I've just spotted these in Priceline and boy am I excited! They're the new Australis METALLIX eyeshadows. Creamy, cool and soft to the touch that comes in six gorgeous shades. I swatched them at the store and did not purchase any. I'm waiting for a sale hehe. I'm afraid I can't review these because I haven't tried them on my eyes and do not know if these would crease. Or for how many hours these would last. But the colours are just plain gorgeous for a night out or if you're bored sitting at home playing with makeup! (Come on, I couldn't be the only one)

They are also named after influential artist but not specifically those in the metal genre. I was expecting ACDC, Sepultura, KISS or even Linkin' Park cause they obviously play metal? Lady Gaga, P. Diddy, Jay Z, Lana Del Rey? Those are all R&B / pop singers.. BUT ANYWAYS it doesn't really matter. The shades are gorgeous still.

L-R : Gold Gaga, Lana Del Grey, Jay Zed, Guns and Rose Petals, Plum Diddy, Pearl Jammin'.

Top to Bottom : Lana Del Grey, Guns and Rose Petals, Pearl Jammin', Gold Gaga, Jay Zed, Plum Diddy.

These retail at AUD$8.95 each. I am eyeing Jay Zed (olive green which really brings out brown eyes) and Plum Diddy (plum brings out brown eyes as well). Heck, I want them all. They ALL ARE GORGEOUS!

Thoughts?

Love,

Polkadotpaw

Roger & Gallet Fragrances Haul & Review

I am a sucker for non-commercial fragrances. Not only the mass market ones are loaded with full of chemicals which make you want to sneeze the first whiff you get and give you other reactions, why would you want to smell like anybody else?

Did you know that chemicals from perfumes absorb quickly into the skin is the most cancerous of all cosmetics? I've discovered a site a while ago and you can check for the toxicity of your cosmetics at Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.

Not that I really care but I feel like they promote mass market perfumes too much such as celebrity fragrances and it has become too mainstream. It just doesn't feel personal anymore. Ya feel me? Anyways I was at David Jones a couple weeks back, maybe two months ago and stumbled across this really awesome brand Roger & Gallet. Unfortunately, they are pulling out of Australia and are not going to be available at David Jones anymore.

Roger & Gallet is a French brand. Their products and branding are very similar to L'occitane. Think natural, fruity, floral body washes, body lotions, soaps, and fragrances.

I am in love with these. They retail originally at AUS$21 but were on clearance for half price, for AUS$10.50 each. If not mistaken. There weren't any testers but I had a good feeling about these so I just bought all six that were in 30ml. They are non offensive and smell not as synthetic as the mass market ones. They are light and probably last on my skin for about 2-3 hours before it starts to fade. Bear in mind these are all "fresh fragrant waters" as they put it. Most of them are unisex, it really depends on how you interpret the scents and this is really something draws me to them as well. It's just so versatile!

Anyways, on to the pictures. Just the packaging themselves are so classy!

From left to right, the fragrances with a brief description of their scent:

1. Bois d'Orange, musky orange with a woody undertone.

2. Rose, fresh green, rose.

3. Jean Marie Farina Eau de Cologne, spicy citrus.

4. Cédrat, fresh citrus.

5. Gingembre, warm ginger. (I am absolutely loving this for winter. I would say this is one of the most unique scents I've ever come across and it is just so comforting smelling it)

6. Thé Vert, green tea.

I find that odd numbers lean towards a little more masculine and even numbers a little more feminine. This is just my opinion but they can all be worn by both genders.

For a more elaborate description you can log onto their website Roger et Gallet.

L-R : Bois d'Orange, Rose, Jean Marie Farina, Cédrat, Gingembre, Thé vert.

Have you tried any of Roger & Gallet products? Let me know!

Love,

Polkadotpaw

01 April 2015

Red My Lips 2015

Hey, how is it going? Happy April Fools and hope you guys had a good laugh at yourself of somebody else you were trying to prank. I don't have anything up my sleeves today, no jokes no pranks today because I'm dedicating this post to Red My Lips 2015. Every April throughout the whole month, red lipstick will be worn as a symbol to raise awareness regarding sexual violence, rape and victim blaming. It has been running for 3 years now and I've only just found out. I think it's a really good campaign for people to gain respect and know that one can wear whatever they want (or not wear anything at all) without inviting assault.

For those who can't wear red lips, you can incorporate some form of red lip accessory to your outfit - a brooch, temporary tattoo or one that I find cute is to paint your nails with red lips. It's an international event in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month so everyone can participate!

You can read about the campaign here in detail :

https://www.facebook.com/events/613910365398935/

or

http://www.redmylips.org

So I was thinking, there are 30 days in April and I only have 3 really red lipsticks with me right now. I might need to get more or I'll have to use them in rotation which is boring. Apart from promoting this campaign, I have a little tip on wearing red lipstick. Because red is so pigmented, I blot my lips first with the lipstick, then apply another layer. This way there's already an outline and it's easier to layer it. There are matte lip creams for a long lasting pout such as Australis Velour Lips, Savvy Ultra Matte Lip Colour or even NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams which I've been thinking of getting! I suppose pigmented red lips not only make a statement but reinforces the campaign you're supporting don't you think? Also, cool-toned and warm-toned reds do have different effects on the overall complexion. So start buying red lippies or better yet, donate to the cause! Either way, have fun and get the word out!

Red lipstick from this Revlon compact that is so so amazing, Elizabeth Arden lipstick in Brick, Topshop lipstick in Trigger.

L-R: Revlon Multi-Use Palette (cool-toned cherry red), Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Brick (warm-toned red), Topshop Creamy Finish Lipstick in Trigger (cool-toned deep red).

Blotting before applying reduces mistakes.

Adding a layer after blotting equals perfect pout!

Revlon Multi-Purpose Palette.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Brick.

Topshop Creamy Finish Lipstick in Trigger.

Hope you enjoyed the post and have a great Easter weekend!

Love,

Polkadotpaw

14 March 2015

Topshop Sheer Lips Review & Swatches

Hey there! I haven't been active lately, partly because I haven't been shopping for makeup lots. I was planning to do reviews and swatches of products that have been with me for quite some time, because hey, I would be really familiar with the products wouldn't I? But I didn't get around to it. Haha.

Anyways, I went to this Topshop Student Lates event in Brisbane City and they were giving out free beef burgers and ciders and popcorns. Everything was on 20% off for the night. Had a great time looking around and doing a bit of shopping. I was drawn to their makeup section - the clearance section to be specific. I've always known their makeup was good quality, and there's this rumour circulating the Internet regarding Topshop makeup being owned by Estee Lauder companies. I have messaged them and have yet to find out. (No wonder their makeup quality is amazing?) So, I was thinking if they are on sale, why not?

I bought a couple of lippies but I'm only going to review the Sheer Lips range in this post. I can tell you they're amazing. I think they can be comparable to Chanel Rouge Coco Shine or the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy lippies in terms of finish and pigmentation. There could be tons of sheer lipsticks out there that I've yet to try. Really, I don't think anybody can go wrong with sheer lipsticks unless the application is really patchy.

You may or may not get these in stores anymore depending on the availability and because these are sale items, but they always come up with new shades for the new season so they're worth checking out.

The Topshop Sheer Lips are smooth and hydrating. They're perfect for everyday wear, adding just a hint of colour to your lips without being over the top. Don't let the bright colours in the tube scare you, for they apply really sheer and are quite easy to pull off. Really, I haven't got anything to complain about these. They don't smell funny or anything so yeah, and I might get some more.

The colours I've gotten are Nuclear, Play with Fire, Alibi, and Hunky Dory.

Nuclear is a bright coral pink, Play with Fire is a bright orange, Alibi is baby neutral pink and Hunky Dory is a neutral nude shade with multi-coloured glitter.

Sometimes I think they should come up with corresponding names for their lipsticks. Like a sequel, you know? They can maybe then pair them up and sell them as a set or something so they'll rake in more revenue. Take Play with Fire for instance, why can't they name another matching dark brown shade to go with it by the name of So Get Burnt Mthrfckr? I'm pretty sure it'll be a hit.

On to the swatches:

The packaging is so mod. The tubes are matte black. So, so cool. Love the Topshop makeup packaging to bits. Oh, and you wouldn't have to worry when you take it with you in public or if people are wondering if you're using your grandma's lipstick.