Starting out in Makeup : Part 1 - Using Primer

Face - Creating the Base

I've met so many ladies who don't wear any makeup but really want to. The problem is that they don't know where to start. 

You'll find millions of different makeup products out on the market ranging from inexpensive to very expensive all declaring they can do amazing things. It can be confusing and intimidating for those who don't know much about makeup to know just where to start and to work out if it is worth paying extra for the luxury brands . Plus some makeup shops (and staff -ha ha!) can be really intimidating...

The best way to enter the makeup world, is starting off with the basics. I'm going to help you cover all the basics starting with the "Face" and breaking products into little sections so it isn't too overwhelming. I will also cover brows, eyes and lips once I've finished with covering the face

Lets gets started!

Face Primer

The purpose of using a face primer is to help your BB cream/foundation last longer, blend easier and look smoother. It also fills in fine lines and pores and can help control oil for those who have a oily skin type. 

Primer is used after your moisturizer and before your BB cream/Foundation.  It creates a base for your foundation and I consider it an essential product in summer as it really helps your foundation last through the heat of the day.

Affordable Options: 

• She Pure Magic Primer (all skin types ) 

• Rimmel Stay Matte Primer (oily skin)

Splurge Options: 

• Smashbox Photo Finish

• Mac Prep and Prime Natural Radiance

Personally sometimes I skip using primer in my makeup routine...  Some day I just want to do wear a touch of makeup but I can really tell the difference in how long my makeup lasts and how fresh it looks.  So if you want your makeup to last all day I really recommend using a primer first and you will be able to see the difference.

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DUPE ALERT : MAC Matte Finish Lipstick - Lady Danger

MAC Matte Finish Lipstick in Shade Lady Danger vs.
NYX Matte Lipstick in Shade Pure Red

Image credit - http://beautyproductsaremycardio.com

Quite some time ago I purchased a MAC Matte Finish Lipstick in the shade Lady Danger.... I don't often wear red lipstick but of course everyone needs to own one red lipstick that flatters their skin tone! I found this warm-toned red, super flattering and lovely to wear on a special occasion when I wanted to rock standout lips :)

Unfortunately I mislaid this perfect lipstick and due to budget constraints have not replaced it - even though I would have loved to.

So I did what every sense girl would do and started looking for a more economically replacement. As NYX is now more readily available in NZ I was thrilled to learn that the NYX Matte Lipstick in Pure Red is often recommended as a dupe. So for a small outlay I purchased a new lipstick and agree that it seems to be the perfect dupe for Lady Danger :)

The colour is almost totally identical and it feels great on my lips! Personally I can't really tell any difference between the MAC and NYX lipsticks once I've put them on and both seem to last well on my lips.

Obviously it is lovely to wear MAC lipsticks and they feel luxurious in their little black bullet casing however when you are looking for a cheaper similar product I definitely feel like I've hit the jackpot with the NYX Matte Lipstick.

Do you love dupes as well?  Let me know your favourite....

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REVIEW : ZA Cosmetics BB Cream

Za Total Hydration 12 in 1 BB Cream

Really a 12 in 1 BB cream???

ZA say this...

The Za Total Hydration BB CREAM is a multi-functional 12-in-1 BB cream that will give your skin a healthy natural glow.

Za Total Hydration BB CREAM has a special mineral formula, it moisturises your skin and protects it from the sun’s harmful rays with SPF 43 and PA+++, it also works as a foundation and conceal to hide blemishes and other skin concerns, and smooth’s skin to achieve a healthy skin tone.

Can we really believe one product can do the job of 12 products?

I was very keen to give this product a try as I really love it when I discover a product that makes my life easier.  After trying this product I was hooked and it is a perfect product for me when I'm travelling :)

So here are are my thoughts on this product...

It is great value for money - I paid less than $12.00 for it at LoveMy Makeup

The squeeze tube makes it easy to dispense and you don't need to worry about the container breaking in your makeup bag

The lightweight coverage blends well into my skin. I use my finger tips to apply!

At SPF 43 it is good extra sun protection for my skin

(although I still like to use a proper sunscreen if I'm heading to the beach)

Gives your skin extra moisture. Acts as double moisturiser when conjunction with your usual moisturiser

A small amount of product goes a long way and it looks really natural on 

It asts well through the day - even when the day is hot and sticky

To me the only downside is that it only comes in one shade - the colour suits my fair colourings but won't match darker skin tones

I'm not sure if does the job of 12 products but it certainly is a great multi purpose product and certainly worth trying if you are looking for a good BB cream with SPF

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NEW - LA GIRL PRODUCTS....

LA Girl Lipify Stylo  Lipstick & 

LA  Girl Ulimate Intense Stay Auto Lip Liner

Shown :

LA Girl Lipify Stylo Lipstick in Ambitious

LA Girl Ultimate Intense Stay Auto Lip Liner in Unlimited Wine

LA Girl Ultimate Intense Stay Auto Lip Liner 

What LA Girl says-

Define lips with long-lasting color! The extremely soft formula is smudge-proof, anti-feathering, and sets to a matte finish. Ergonomic gel grip allows comfort and ease of application in a quick twist. Dermatologist tested and free of preservatives. Available in 8 shades.

What I think-

I really like this lip liner.
 It’s easy to use and glides smoothly on the lips without any tugging or pulling. It had good pigmentation and lasted well on my lips. I agree with LA Girl that it defines your lips well and it has a great formula. It definitely makes your lipstick stay longer and can also be used to fill in your lips.
I just wish it came in more shades...  I like it that much!

LA  Girl Lipify Stylo Lipstick

What LA Girl says-

Lipify glides on rich, intense color in just one swipe. Enriched with hydrating argan oil and olive oil, the non-sticky lightweight formula moisturizes lips with a luxurious soft and shiny finish. Available in a wide range of shades. Easy to use, non-retractable tip.

What I think-

This lipstick is super velvety and is almost like a creamy liquid lip colour. It feels ultra light on your lips when applied and is definitely non-drying. It has great pigmentation and a single swipe really does give great colour pay off. The colour lasted well on my lips.

To use the lipstick you need to twist the bottom part of the packaging. Unlike usual twist mechanisms only a very little bit comes up when you twist so you may need to twist a few times. However be warned the tip is non-retractable so make sure you don’t twist up many times as you can't wind it back in!

My final opinion-

Definitely both these products are worth purchasing in my opinion...  I have since purchased a few more colours in the lipstick range and really loving this range.

They represent great value for money definitely perform as expected after reading the advertising from LA Girl :)

LA Girl Lipify Stylo Lipstick - $9.09 from LoveMy Makeup stores
LA Girl Ultimate Intense Stay Auto Lip Liner - $8.39 from LoveMy Makeup stores

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Review : Purederm Nose Pore Strips

Purederm Nose Pore Strips

Is it weird that I'm excited about this product I recently tried???

Clogged pores and blackheads aren't a very nice topic to blog about but unfortunately they can be an issue for some of us.
 Thorough cleansing and good skincare habits help to minimise or even eliminate these issues but sometimes Nose Pore Strips are required...

I recently tried this brand of Pore Strips for the first time and was very pleased with the results.

PUREDERM Botanical Choice Nose Pore Strips are marketed as a one-step cleansing treatment specifically designed to unclog pores and lift away unwanted blackheads.

In each box there are 6 individually sealed strips and there are very clear, easy to follow instructions on the box. Essentially wash face, apply strip, wait till it dries and then remove. 

In the past I have had varying degrees of success with these sorts of products - strip get stucks, stings to remove, gumminess left on skin etc.

I'm very pleased to confirm that this product was super easy to use, worked well and I will certainly be using the rest of the box :)

Strip was easy to apply, dried without too much waiting, painless removal, no sticky residue and skin felt really good afterwards.

This is definitely a product I would recommend - I tried the 'original' however it comes in 5 different options and next time I'm considering buying the 'Charcoal' to see how it compares.

Anyone else keen to share their Nose Pore Strip experiences????

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FREE ZA???

FREE gift with purchase on now!

Who doesn't love a FREE gift with purchase promotion???

Currently all LoveMy Makeup stores are running a ZA Cosmetics promo....

Just buy any 2 ZA products & receive a FREE gift worth up to $23.00 <3

I've always liked the ZA range although it can be a little tricky to find it in stores. I'm not quite sure why more shops don't stock their products as they are generally great quality and good value for money.

 Usually LoveMy Makeup has a good selection of the product range although when you find a favourite item it is worth buying a couple just in case they don't have it next time you want it.  So since there is a promo running I suggest you buy anything you need so you get your FREE gift :)

I'll post a review & swatches of a few of my recent purchases over the next day or two but I did buy a few bits to take advance of the promotion

There were 3 free gifts to chose from and I went for the mascara.... I've 'stolen' a  graphic off their website to show the options available :)

Happy shopping...

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PRODUCT REVIEW : LA Girl Metal Liquid Lipstick

LA Girl Metal Liquid Lipstick

LA Girl Metal Liquid Lipstick

18 stunning shades
Only $11.19 each
Available now from LoveMy Makeup stores

 It is always exciting when LA Girl releases a new product so I was thrilled to get my hands on some of their new Metal Liquid Lipsticks.

Now LA Girl is one of my favourite brands as they offer on trend products at an affordable price point.

I wasn't too sure what to expect when I saw they had released this line. Maybe I was worried they were going to be that heavy metallic look that I think is horrible! However I'm pleased to advise they although they do give your lips a metallic look but not too heavy & they look really pretty on (swatches below)

They are a long lasting lip product and I really like they way last even through eating and drinking, so you aren't always needing to reapply. I felt the texture was a bit like a whipped mousse to apply,  wasn't drying on my lips and didn't feel sticky after application.

There are 18 shades available ranging from a good selection of nudes through to more funky shades like deep purple, bold orange & blue.  

Definitely a must buy product in my opinion...

My favourite shades are Smoulder & Lustrous.  

Let me know you have tried them yet & what you think - I'll keen to know!

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Save or Splurge on Mascara?

Mascara: Splurge! 

If only we all had a limitless makeup budget...
But we need to make choices on where to spend our hard earned money and I think splurging on mascara is well worth it.

Not all mascara is the same and they can create drastically different looks. Depending whether you want some length and definition, noticeable volume, or you don't have naturally black eyelashes and need colour, you will be able to find a mascara that cater to your needs. 

Although a lasting, non-irritating formula is a must, the effectiveness of the mascara is in the brush. Better quality mascaras will have brushes that maximise volume, lift, and curl.

I suggest you buy the best mascara you can afford, ask your friends for their recommendations and speak with some makeup artists about what you are wanting to achieve with your mascara.


 However remember drug store brands like Maybelline and Rimmel do make fantastic mascaras as well  :)

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