♡ LOVE it or FUCK it: Australis Go Camo Full On Coverage Concealer ♡

Hello again, makeup lovers!

It’s time for another installment of Love it, or Fuck it!
(Settle down, settle down. Withhold your cheers.)

Today, we’re going to take a lookie at the Australis Go Camo Full On Coverage Concealer [x].

I'll come out and say it, it is very difficult to find full coverage, long-lasting products that are catered for oily skin AND cruelty free. However, I have been incredibly spotty lately, so it was time to explore the local products available.

Here are the claims listed on Beautyheaven, as I honestly couldn’t find them anywhere else:

“Australis Go Camo Concealer is an oil-free concealer that has been formulated to fight blemishes while offering coverage, too. It also features a long-lasting and water-resistant mattifying formula that comes in an easy-to-use tube. Available in three shades: Light, Medium, and Dark.”

Sounds GREAT, right?!

Are you ready to see the flawless, full coverage capabilities of this concealer?

Before:

Look at that fierce zit.

After:

PSYCHEEEEEE.

This is a light-medium coverage, sticky, hot-mess of a concealer. If you want to draw attention to the fact that a big, angry zit is raging on your face, this is the product for you.

I tried using a sponge, NOPE.

I tried using my fingers, NOPE.

I tried mixing it to make a tinted moisturiser, NOPE, NOPE, NNNOPE.

This stuff is like tinted super-glue. It dries in precisely half a second, giving no time at all to blend it seamlessly into the skin. I will acknowledge its water-resistant properties, as this was clinging to my face like a love-struck stalker on steroids.

The only redeeming quality of this concealer was that it is ACTUALLY light. Too often do I swatch ‘light’ concealers to end up with Dorito hands.

However, this isn’t really enough to make it a passable product.

VERDICT:

Fuck it, and never call it again.

Coincidentally, this concealer looks like it’s on its way out from Priceline. If you want to waste 6 of your dollars on an el crappo concealer, you know where to go.

That concludes this instalment of Love it, or Fuck it! Let me know if there are any products you want me to review in the future, I’ll never say no to makeup shopping.

♡ Until next time ♡

♡ LOVE it or FUCK it: Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush, Australis Contouring and Highlighting Brush, and Essence Soo Glow Cream to Powder Highlighter ♡

Salutations friends,

It’s time for another instalment of your favourite segment: Love it or Fuck it!

This time was going to just be about makeup brushes, but I have another product to review. Can’t have none of that orderly nonsense, can we?


Let’s start off with the Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush (okay, calm down everyone! You’re too excited…)

As you’re all aware, I love, love, LOVE my MOMMA Semi-Matte Mineral Base at the moment. However I am currently the queen of break outs, and I need a tiny bit extra coverage on my raging zits. I thought I would give this little eco-friendly guy a try, as the claims sounded promising:

“Completely cover problem areas with this brush and your concealer! Lightly smooth under eyes to hide dark circles and use for spot treatment. The bristles buff your concealer into your skin for an airbrushed look. For added versatility, use with your daily tinted moisturiser.”

I will say, this brush is very good at packing a bunch of mineral powder on my acne! I’m assuming that it was made for liquid concealer, so the fact that it can dust over my problem areas with my preferred foundation is a nice touch! However I can’t build the product up to super-full-on-photoshop-in-real-life-coverage using this brush, but personally I’m not too bothered by this.
Here is a little before and after extravaganza for your pleasure:

Before:

After:

As you can see, I’ve achieved pretty decent coverage with the mineral foundation alone. I’m hoping to buy MOMMA’s cream concealer soon to dab over extra red areas, but I may have completely figured this brush out by then! 
This brush is $7.99 full price, which isn’t half bad.

Verdict: Love it, but only as a friend.


Moving on to Australis’ Contouring and Highlighting Brush!

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this brush was offered as a free gift if you bought one of the new contour kits at Priceline. My experience with the first kit was an absolute nightmare, so I was chuffed when I found a supposedly ‘broken’ version of this brush for ten buckeroos at Big W. The only claims for this brush could be found on the packaging, which stated:

“Effortlessly define and sculpt your features”

Short and to the point, I suppose?

Now, please don’t hurt me, but I don’t use this brush in the way it is intended. The angled ‘contouring’ side is now my blush brush, and the ‘highlighting’ side is now actually my contouring brush! For blush, I find it is much quicker to use a light hand with this angled brush then to stipple the product on for hours as I was doing previously. I still get my natural, glowy look that I adore so I really cannot complain! I haven’t got a ton of experience with contouring, but I was able to do it effortlessly with the first use of this dense highlighting brush. To me, it looks like a rounded version of the flat contour brushes that have taken the beauty world by storm. I’m looking forward to giving it a go with the new contouring product I will be buying in the coming weeks!

Verdict: Love it, would go on a second date.


We’ve reached the final product! Time to have a little chat about Essense Soo Glow Cream to Powder Highlighter in the shade Look on the Bright Side.

I had very high hopes for this highlighter. It’s extremely pale, its yellow-toned, it gave other beauty bloggers an amazing glow…sadly, this was not the case for me. 
Here are the claims made:

“Glamour glow! The new highlighter conjures a beautiful shimmer. Its creamy texture turns into a velvety, powdery formula upon application. Easy to apply with your fingers, it sets gorgeous accents on your cheekbones, underneath the brows or in the inner corners of your eyes.”

Let me start by saying that it does live up to its creamy texture, but it’s a very weird formula. I could not even work it into my bare skin, let alone my foundation. I tried it with numerous brushes, I tries dabbing it on with my fingers…and without fail I would get this disgusting, flaky film on top of my skin without fail. I know that it may be to do with my mineral foundation, but I would achieve a similar consistency without any makeup on as well. 

Essence, why do you hurt me like this? I thought we were pals, comrades, bffls, if you will…

Verdict: Fuck it, and not in the nice way.

Into the Bin of Sadness with you.

That is the end of this instalment of Love it or Fuck it! Let me know if there are any products you would like me to try out for the next round.

♡ Until next time ♡

♡ August Favourites 2015 ♡

Hello again,

It’s that time of the month where I talk about my favourite things! Are you excited? Damn RIGHT you are.

August was a very makeup heavy month, with almost all my money going towards new products to try (and there is WAY more coming in the mail, whoopsie). That being said, I do have some nice hair and skincare products to show you as well! Let’s get into it!

First off, my beauty-booty.

Now this is going to sound incredibly privileged, but I have very long eyelashes naturally. Yes, I’m sorry, I can’t help it! Because of this, I have been an avid user of Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara for as long as I can remember. It was the only mascara that enhanced my eyelashes without turning them into spidery daggers, but unfortunately was not cruelty free (wah). Chemist Warehouse did a beautiful thing and brought W7 to their shelves, and I found this bad boy amongst the spread:

I didn’t think it possible, but W7’s Absolute Lashes Mascara [x] not only adds that definition I received from Clump Crusher, but also gives my lashes NON-SPIDERY VOLUME.

Whaaaaaat?

I’ve heard that this mascara is a spot on dupe for Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara, if not even better! And the best part is, it’s only $4.99!
My wallet is happy, I am happy, what more could you ask for?

I can’t say whether this mascara has any lengthening properties, but I’m sure there are other bloggers who have tested whether this is the case.

I have definitely been lifting my lash game, so it goes without saying that I’d give a lash primer a whirl:

 

'scuse the dirt 

 Designer Brands is a very inexpensive Australian brand, with a vast selection of drugstore goodies to explore. I have been eyeing this lash primer [x] off for a very long time, and I finally gave in and spent all of my 12 dollars on it.

I feel like this primer does exactly what it should do, which is condition the lashes to prevent any damage from long-term mascara use (guilty). It not only does that, but keeps my lashes feeling soft even with mascara on! No more crusty eyelashes for this lady!

I buy my Designer Brands products from Terry Whites Chemists, but I think they are also stocked in Price Attack, Priceline, and a number of other Chemists within Australia.

Now, what is lash game without brow game?

Enter, Modelco More Brows [x]!

I have been using the same Natio eyeshadow to fill in my brows since I was 13 and, since it was discontinued years ago, I thought it was about time I branched out a bit.

I have always been intrigued by these magic tinted brow gels that effortlessly give you eyebrows on fleek, and I just had to buy this during their 50% off sale. I do naturally have very thick eyebrows (I know, I’m a genetic marvel), but because of my trichotillomania there tend to be gaps here and there. This eyebrow gel takes literally 30 seconds to apply, and makes my eyebrows look so full and lush I could cry. On days when I overdo it, a bit of clear brow gel on top softens out my mistakes and gives me the brows I’ve been dreaming of.

 I know a lot of people in Australia rave about this product and, although it’s bloody brilliant, I do have to agree with the complaint that the amount of product given does not seem to match up with the price. This brow gel is $14.95 for 3.5ml of product at Woolworths and $18 buckeroos online, which is still significantly cheaper than Benefit’s Gimme Brow, but I don’t think I would have taken the plunge if not for Woolworths' 50% off sale. However, I am so glad that I did!
I use the shade medium/dark, which I have a swatchy of next to the following babe of a product.

As I have mentioned, I have been using Natio products for years. We are best friends for life now, its just fact. When I switched to cruelty free products AND mineral foundation, I knew my Rimmel Stay Matte Cheek Tint wasn’t going to cut it anymore. I had only heard good things about Natio’s blushes [x], so I thought I’d give them a whirl.

 

A lil swatcheroo.

 I picked up the shade Peach Glow, and oh my GOD it is beautiful. It’s this really pretty peachy shade that compliments my pale skin tone, and also highlights my cheeks at the same time. I find that it is relatively easy to blend out any mistakes as it is very beginner friendly, but I would recommend putting less on and building up to avoid tears. I have experienced a bit of fallout on this blush, but I couldn’t care less. I love it too damn much.

This blush is $13.95 full price, which is pretty decent given the quality!

We have arrived at the last makeup product (phew)!

W7 is slowly becoming my bae, as their products are incredible for the price. I had been using the ELF setting spray, which is okay, but left a weird film on my face if I applied too much. This W7 Long-Lasting Makeup Fixer [x] makes me glow like a celestial being, and I am totally okay with it. Not that my MOMMA mineral base is overly powdery, but this setting spray also helps to make it look even more like skin and provides a beautiful finish. I don’t think I’ll have to trial any other sprays any time soon!

I bought this baby online for 5 dollars, but I really hope it comes to Chemist Warehouse (hear my prayers).

Now, I know I’ve mentioned my MOMMA Semi-Matte Mineral Base approximately 1 million times, but relax. We’re talking about their kabuki brushes today.

When I bought my full size containers of mineral makeup, I thought I’d buy their flat-top [x] and mini kabuki [x] brushes to make application a little easier for me. These brushes are so incredibly soft, like a little fluffy bunny nuzzling your face (these ARE cruelty free, though). I have found that the mini kabuki is really effective at covering my acne, and also is useful for applying mineral makeup under my eyes. The flat top also provides a really smooth base, so I am very happy with my purchase overall!

The flat top kabuki brush is only $8.00, and I bought my mini kabuki in their $22.00 makeup brush set.

Let’s move on to my favourite skincare product of the month!

In my previous post, I mentioned how awfully greasy my previous primer was making my skin. I can’t seem to find a decent mattifying primer that is also cruelty free (if you know of any, PLEASE comment below. I’ll love you forever). I settled for the next best thing, which was Simple’s Clear Skin Oil Balancing Moisturiser [x].

This has really helped keep the oilies at bay, and made my skin super soft! However, as the summertime is approaching, I think I will need a primer to compliment the effects of this moisturiser so I don’t end up a sweaty, oily, hot mess.

This moisturiser is only $9.99 full price, so it is definitely worth a try if you need some extra oil control!

Finally, some haircare products!

As you’ve seen, I’ve been swapping out a load of products for those that don’t test on animals. Unfortunately, Tresemme is not a cruelty-free company, so it was time to bid their Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner adieu.

Don’t despair, I have found love in a hopeless place with Organix Coconut Water Weightless Hydration Shampoo [x] and Conditioner [x] (what a mouthful!).

I am a sucker for anything coconut scented, and this shampoo and conditioner duo did not disappoint in that aspect. It’s like bathing on a tropical island, and I am its coconut princess.

The shampoo is sulfate free, which my artificially red hair is thankful for, yet it cleans my hair far more than a massive dollop of the Tresemme Naturals Shampoo ever did. Because of how heavily concentrated it is, it lasts AGES. I’m sure this could last me for a whole year without even trying, which is extremely economically friendly for poor university students like myself!

As for the conditioner, it too is very concentrated, and makes my hair very soft in a non-silicony way. It also seems to act as a barrier when I rinse my hair, as no red water runs in my shower after I use it. Bonus points!

These magical beauties are $17.99 each full price, but both Coles and Chemist Warehouse do regular 50% off sales on this brand, so no worries!

And that is the end of my August Favourites. If you would like a more in-depth review of any of these products, please let me know in the comments below! Also, do tell me if you know of any cruelty free mattifying primers and I’ll be your best friend!

♡ Until next time ♡

A Spoonie’s Guide to Assignments and Effective Studying

Hello my study bugs,

As it is the snowball-of-assignments time of year down under, I thought it would be appropriate to embark my years of accumulated study wisdom upon you.

I was diagnosed (which ended up being a misdiagnosis…) with Lyme Disease just after I had tasted about two seconds of freedom from finishing high school. I still managed to get a high enough ATAR for my second university choice (thank you, language boost!), but found it incredibly difficult to adjust to the high demands of a health science course. Finding a balance between effective study and recuperation time seems near impossible, but I have a few tips that may help you to achieve your academic goals without sacrificing all of your energy.

Let's get started!

1. Set broad, forgiving goals

 The worst mistake you can make is to set rigid study goals for yourself. Instead of forcing yourself to get through  extensive amounts of material in a short period of time, try to space out your work over the day. This will help to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, and will make sure you get as much work done as you’re capable of!

2. Don’t procrastinate!

Most people you will encounter at tertiary institutions will leave all of their work to the last minute. DON’T DO IT, IT’S A TRAP. If you’re anything like me, your body is not ready to pull an all-nighter. It’s best to do very small contributions to study/assignments over a longer period of time as this ensures that your work is actually of some quality, as well as gives you time to correct mistakes you may have made. Besides, the earlier you study, the more prepared you’re going to be!

3. Take breaks

Be nice to yourself. Don’t sit for hours at a time going over materials again and again. It has actually been proven that shorter study intervals result in better encoding of information. In psychology, this is called the “spacing effect” (wow, look at me with all this knowledge). Many of my tutors have also suggested taking a nap after a period of study, as this helps the information to not be disrupted by external forces e.g., Tumblr, YouTube, etc. Yes, I’m giving you permission to nap. Don’t question it, just let it be.

4. Highlight (within reason)

Although it has been proven that highlighting is not an effective study tool, I find it extremely useful at keeping my attention when I have brain fog. Just try not to highlight entire pages at a time, just focus on those key words, friend!

5. Get an extension if you need it

Sometimes, our bodies aren’t our best friends. If you’re too sick to complete an assignment or tests by the deadline, I would recommend contacting whatever support services are in place at your institution. At my university, we have a disability support office that helps students with conditions such as my own to have more leeway when it comes to assignment deadlines. This tool is extremely helpful when you have a flare that won’t quit!

6. Find out which memory strategies work best for you

Nobody studies in the same way.  However, I have learned some techniques in my psychology degree that have been proven to help store information into long-term memory. Some simple ones are:

The generation effect : generating information from the study material helps you to have a better memory for that material, as you’re creating meaning from what you’re reading.

The self-reference effect: relate study material to yourself.  This has been labeled one of the best mnemonic techiques you can use. So go ahead, be self-involved!

The testing effect: testing yourself repeatedly results in better learning. This is because the long term memory becomes focused on the information that you’re required to remember. Besides, creating colourful test sheets is the fun part (…well, at least for me.)

7. Get visual!

Creating diagrams is a great way to learn information. There are apps such as Simplemind that let you create endless mind-maps in all kinds of pretty colours. Most lecture slides come with diagrams (depending on the course), so you can always jazz those up with highlighters as a last resort!

8. Don't forget to take time out for yourself!
Don't let your life revolve around study/assignments!! You deserve to kick your feet up every once in a while. So go ahead, watch an episode of your favourite tv show (JUST one, cheeky), or even get out of the house for a while if your energy levels permit it. Straining yourself with learning materials won't help your stress levels, so please let yourself have some relaxation time. You've earned it!

Lastly, I found this amazing master post on study techniques on Tumblr. Hopefully this covers everything I’ve missed!

http://disabledfemme.tumblr.com/post/118089446850/lmpaired-study-well-study-techniques-sq3r

I hope that this has been helpful!

      ♡ Until next time ♡