Lanolips Ointment 101 and Rose Balm Intense Handcream

When Lanolips came out with their first batch products, I thought who the heck would want to pay that much for lanolin. Did it really make a difference if the main ingredient was "medical grade"?

I resisted Lanolips but with its marketing (winning awards and plentiful positive reviews), I caved and bought these from Priceline. They came gift packaged with a patent pink cosmetic purse for $19.95

The ointment is just pure lanolin. What makes it different to cheaper lanolin is that it's highly refined so there is no smell or colour. It looks like Vaseline really. Just as thick and greasy but feels silkier in texture. It's all natural, very moisturising, and plumping. It can also be used on very dry skin so it's uses are versatile.

The handcream is heavy duty. Its thick and smells clean, like you've just had a rose bath. It does a terrific job keeping hands soft and supple. It sinks right in and a little goes a long way.

These are perfect for bedtime so you wake up to super soft skin. It feels luxe using them so they are worth the premium price. Handcreams come and go but I'll defo buy more ointment when it runs out.

ELF Mini Haul

E.L.F recently had a 40% off sale so I bought a few items I've been curious about. I'm pretty happy with these products, however I did spent hours looking for swatches and reviews before culling my shopping list!


Mechanical Eyelash Curler- I like it's design for gripping and it does'nt pinch. The width of the curler is just right but I can't get close to the base of my lashes. It leaves a crimp rather than a curl. Most reviews for this have been positive. 
Studio Cream Eyeshadow Candlelight - good for highlighting. This is my first cream eyeshadow and I'm pleased with it's non-creaseability and staying power. It's packaging is excessive though. 
Nail Polish - Cranberry. Love this dark shimmery red.
Nail Polish - Mod Mauve. Not at all like the colour on the website. Its looks more brown than mauve. 
Nail Polish - Pearl Pink. An metallic semi-neon pale pink with a blue sheen. Colour does'nt suit me and it's poorly pigmented. Needs four coats to get it opaque. 
Clarifying Pressed Powder Honey (tone 2) - Love this! Perfect little case for touchups. Don't need to use lot as it would look cakey. Blots away the oilies. I also bought Spice but it was too orangey to be useful so will be chucking it out.
Matte Finisher Clear Nail Polish - a friend recommended this and I love it too! It extends your nail polish collection and the matte effect is funky. 
Studio High Definition Powder - ridiculously huge packaging. Only need a tiny bit as I found it to be drying. Feels like it was sucking the moisture out of my skin. It's promised to reduce the look of wrinkles and pores but I can't really notice an effect. Best used with a brush rather than the puff supplied. 

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream

BB creams are set to explode into the European market, thanks to Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector. I've tried it and admit it's good. Fair coverage, pleasing glowy finish and it does'nt feel like you're wearing anything.

If you're on the discovery of BB creams, why not try an original from Korea, home of an original?

If you're patient with mail orders, I recommend buying the Perfect Cover BB cream from a reputable seller on Ebay. My 20ml tube was £6 including shipping from Korea. It's marginally pricer than Garnier but I prefer the Missha version because of the packaging and the coverage is better.

Firstly I must say that I don't think BB creams are anything more than thick pigmented moisturisers with minerals. They make your skin look luminous but it's a cosmetic effect. However I can use it daily as opposed to slapping on foundation. This BB cream feels light and non-sticky.

The packaging is sleek and hygienic to dispense. A narrow nozzle for the 20ml tube and a pump for the 50ml.

You don't need to use alot. The colour #34 Natural Beige looks a little ashy out of the tube but provided I don't use more than half a pea size, it blends in well with my skintone. The harder to find shade #27 Honey Beige matches my skin better and I could only find it from the US website. (I suggest signing up to their lists as they have some good deals every now and then for BB cream.)

This BB cream provides fair coverage for acne scars and dark eye circles. It has a slightly matt finish and sinks right in. Impressive how it turns my drab skin to more even toned and glowing. Blemishes and pores are less noticeable too.

A brilliant product, a HG!

Clarisonic Mia - 2 Week Results

Just a quick post to report how my Clarisonic Mia is going. I'm usually too lazy to exfoliate so this machine is a godsend.

Its easy to use. Just wet the brush and your face, pour on a little non-abrasive cleanser and very lightly massage in small circles. The Mia runs for 1 minute on a single speed. In the mornings I use it with Cetaphil for a minute and in the evenings with a foaming cleanser for a minute and a half.

The result is that my face looks radiant and super clean. My skin feels softer and looks smoother. Pores are noticeably smaller although its a temporary effect. They're back to their normal size by the end of the day but its still an amazing outcome.

My only complaint is recharge time. It runs about 20 minutes on a single recharge but takes 18 hours to charge. Especially inconvenient as it means I have to go without in the morning or night while it's charging.

Will post a follow up after a month's time so stay tuned!

Olive Oil As Make Up Remover

I just discovered that olive oil makes an amazing emergency makeup remover.

If you're stuck somewhere without cotton wipes and remover, simply pour one to two teaspoons of olive oil onto your fingertips and gently massage your face. To remove the last traces of eye make up, run your finger lightly over your lower lashline. Keep your eyes open and look up if you're squeamish.

When the makeup is dissolved, wipe off excess oil with tissue. Wash your face with foaming cleanser or handwash and rinse with warm water.

Makeup is completely gone and skin is soft and smooth. There's no need for tugging or scrubbing. This method is so cheap and effective, I'm refilling my MAC Cleanse Off bottle with olive oil when it's empty.

Any olive oil will do, but the lightest will be easier to wash off. You won't believe how well it works until you try it!

Nars Orgasm On Asian Skin

Needed a new foundation to match my tan so I popped off to Selfridges. If you have'nt tried Bare Minerals foundation, you are missing out. I'm now "Golden Medium" and I bought the matte version for £25.

The finish is natural and it does'nt feel like I have "stuff" caked on my face. I wear it over Eyeko's 3 in 1 cream in the evening for a luminous look.

While on a spending high, I tried the hyped Nars Orgasm blush. It looks different in the palette than it does on me. Orgasm is frosty peach pink, but on me it's a natural flush. It would probably look peach if I put alot on.

I hesitated to purchase but after walking a full circle around the make up hall, I returned and said: "I'm back for the orgasm."

"The blush?" I guess the salesgirl wanted to make sure.

All About Eyelash Perming

Hello from Sydney! So happy to be home after more than a year.

One of the first things I did was get my lashes permed at Nail Salon Koko in Wynyard. I used to get it done every few months there. The staff are Japanese and they really take care of you.

An ex-colleague recommended this place when I couldn't stop staring at her naturally long lashes. She had dolly-eyes and this was without mascara!

Eyelash perming is a godsend for those with straight lashes. Mine point downward and no matter how much I try to curl them, they quickly revert back to their stick form.

Perming enhances the look of short lashes because they are noticeable upturned. Best of all, you can kiss your curler goodbye until the permed lashes fall out in their normal lifecycle. For me the curled effect lasts six weeks.

You have a choice of perming rod sizes. I choose medium for a natural look but it depends on the length of your lashes.

They glue the foam rods close to your upper lash line and lashes over the rod with latex glue. This step takes the longest because it's an intricate job. I'm used to prodding around my eyes but for those who are sensitive, you must stay relaxed so they can get this right. It's very tricky! I let my eyes slightly open at this stage to make sure the lower lashes are not glued to the rod. Otherwise they will be wonky for the life of the perm.

A perming solution is applied and the lashes are covered with cling wrap and a flannel for 10 minutes. The process is repeated with a neutralising solution. It's a bit smelly with the chemicals but it does'nt bother me. In fact I'm so relaxed I tend to fall asleep on their comfy recliner.

The lashes are wiped clean and the rod is removed with cotton wool soaked with hot water. Voilà! Permanently curled lashes. I preserve mine by not rubbing my eyes and gently applying Vaseline (olive, jojoba or castor oil also works) before I sleep. Apparently they don't fall out as quick and they grow longer but I'll let you be the judge of that theory!

Creme De La Mer - Is It Worth It?

I've finally finished my jar of Creme De La Mer. It took me 2 years (alternating with other moisturisers) but the last dab is as good as the first. What an accomplishment using up hundreds of dollars of face cream! *Places empty jar on mantelpiece.*

I'm sure you're wondering if the stuff is worth it. A bit about the product first. It's a white thick creme which is lightly scented. Looks like Nivea creme except La Mer is thicker. The packaging is luxe. A heavy glass jar with a little spatula. You're supposed to use a pea sized blob, warm it in your hands and pat it on. Apparently it releases some magical powers but I think it's because the creme is rich and you don't want a greasy face.

The creme goes a long way and while it makes my skin feel soft and "nice" (as in I don't have problems using it), it does'nt perform miracles. I would have the same effect with Nivea creme. The so-called Miracle Broth is simply not miraculous for me.

Over the past two years I've collected some fine lines and my T-zone is still congested. My skin has'nt incredibly changed for the better. The creme is functional but very expensive. Would I buy it again? I'd rather shell out for a £5 moisturiser and go on a holiday instead.

If you can afford it, then there's no reason not to give it a try. But if you're scrimping to pay for even just a small jar, rest assured it's not a cure for wrinkles. Don't go beyond your means to buy it because a good drugstore brand can do just as well.

Bourjois Paris Blusher - 95 Rose De Jaspe

I have more blush than I can use up in a lifetime but I bought more! I love Bourjois and this blush is labelled "Paris", one of my favorite cities.

Rose De Jaspe gives a natural pink flush with a hint of shimmer. The effect is soft and it's easy to control the pigmentation. Like with most Bourjois products the packaging is cute and compact. It's faintly scented and comes with a mini curved brush.

In the below pic I'm also showing off my ring. The diamond was caked with soap, lotion and other yucky stuff underneath the claws. I decided to clean it myself after being quoted £45 for a professional job in Hatton Garden. I bought supermarket jewellery cleaner and after a soak and scrub, it came out spiffingly sparkly. Win!

MAC Cleanse Off Oil - Huille Demaquillante

I bought this when I ran out of DHC oil cleanser in New York. Actually it was trial satchet and I loved it so much, I looked everywhere for a substitute.

My search was initially hopeless because I couldn't even find Shu Umeura High Performance Oil in the stores. Not even in Sephora. Was horrified to hear it's been discontinued. (The stuff was so popular, how could they?) Let's hope it reincarnates soon.

It was midnight and I was STILL looking for an oil cleanser. Finally I bought this in the Times Square MAC store. Phew!

MAC's Cleanse Off Oil is a strong contender in the oil cleanser market. It's gentle on your skin and makes it feel soft. It even removes waterproof mascara without tugging or harsh rubbing.

This product is a little runnier than DHC and Shu. Once dispensed I have a quickly spread it around or it drips through my fingers. Has a light fruity scent. It won't sud like the other cleansing oils. Cleanse Off turns milky and rinses clean with warm water.

Contains olive, primrose and jojoba oils so it's mineral oil free.

I still need a foaming cleanser to feel squeaky clean. But this is better than using make up removing wipes/pads because there's little friction to cause lash loss.

My verdict? DHC oil is still my first preference because it's richer and foams. MAC is a close second because it's widely available and better value for money.

Fekkai Sensuelle EDT & Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid

I fell prey to Space NK's mid year sale as I popped in to take a look. Despite spending more money than I should have in NY, I bought two items which justified breaking the bank just a little bit further.

This Frederic Fekkai fragrance instantly reminded me of Lush's Gorgeous. It's Lush's most expensive face cream, made with orange blossoms and neroli oil. Sensuelle smells blissful and although it's mildly fruity, the scent is womanly and alluring. I really like that it's clean smelling as strong scents bother my sensitive nose.

Buying the Shu Uemura foundation was a fluke. I don't wear normally foundation due to the hassle of cleaning brushes. Also I subconsciously wipe it off during the day when they feel greasy and itchy. Since this was less than half off, I gave it a try and it amazingly transformed my skin.

It's easy to blend and very pigmented for the watery consistency. What sold me was that my pores disappeared and the finish was weightless. Like I don't have any foundation on. No wonder they call it a "smoothing" foundation. Brilliant complexion trickey, I reakon. Since it was so easy to apply with my fingers, I realised I NEEDED this product!

Eyeko 3-In-1 Highlighter Cream

My shopping habits are spinning out of control. Especially for someone who is unemployed. Currently I'm fighting the urge to buy more MAC and NYX cosmetics.

A few days ago I ordered from ASOS and placed a second order today.

I also signed up to their Premier program for £24.95 which means free next-day delivery for a year with no minimum spend. (I need to order 13 times to breakeven.)

The first ASOS parcel arrived today.

In pursuit of a dewy and luminous complexion, I ordered the Eyeko cream. It was out of stock on the Eyeko site for more than a week (atleast since I started looking) so I had to get it from ASOS.

Eyeko cream comes in a generously sized pink tub with Manga themed packaging. It was £4.90 from ASOS. The product has a moussey texture and is pink pearl coloured. (Hard to see in the above but it's quite pearlescent.)

The cream contains dimethicone so it feels silky and makes a good primer. It's hailed to be a moisturiser, highlighter and eyecream in one. Because it spreads like a gel and dries quickly, I don't think it's moisturising although it certainly highlights and brightens. It can be applied under the eyes, along brow bones, cheekbones and the nose.

I mixed a dab into my moisturiser and my skin glows! The photo on the below left was taken indoors with natural lighting and on the right was taken with tungsten. The dewyness is more noticeable with artificial light.

Please don't mind the strange facial expressions. I did'nt wear foundation or concealer in either pics and they were'nt touched up.

I love this highlighter. So far it's the best product I've used from Eyeko. It illuminates and improves the appearance of my complexion without looking fake or excessively shiny. It does'nt feel like I'm wearing makeup either.

Can't imagine leaving the house without it on. Why did'nt I discover this cream earlier?

Bloom Face Blotting Papers

Years ago my skin was super oily. I remember habitually swiping my face with my hand and ewwwww...

I've tried lots of different face blotter sheets and now alternate between Clean & Clear sheets and Bloom's Blotting Papers.

Bloom is most preferred because the packaging is darn pretty! The rice paper sheets are pale pink, lightly scented of roses and more "dainty sized". They are impregnated with very fine powder so it removes oil effectively without depositing powder on your face like Papier Poudre.

One downside is that the cardboard casing is not durable so unless you use the 50 sheets quickly, the packaging will get shabby in your handbag.

My skin has settled down so I only use these to blot my oily eyelids now. Good for keeping my glasses lenses smudge-free!

I buy Bloom's papers at the department stores. If I can't find them when I'm overseas, they are available online.

I must mention that Bloom's papers are more environmentally friendly than Clean & Clear. However I do get a twisted satisfaction out of seeing the opaque blue sheets turn transparent...

Lancome, YSL, Scott Barnes, and Mason Pearson Haul

To qualify this post as "frugalicious", I've included items which are freebies.

Missy Em has been naughty as of late!

I've lemming-ed a Mason Pearson boar bristle hairbrush. Told myself to wait until I was back in UK first but I could'nt resist. Everyone talks about how lovely it makes their hair. It distributes natural hair oil from the roots and makes hair volumised, shiny and soft.

The smallest brush, which is child sized, is priced at $115 AUD from the department stores. I bought mine on Ebay for $63 AUD including shipping. There you go, money saved! ;)

While the hairbrush was in transit, I was getting bored and restless. Noticed that Scott Barnes was on sale on Strawberrynet. Since I've always wanted to try the makeup and it's exxxy in stores here, I succumbed to temptation.

Ordered a Scott Barnes blush palette, concealer compact and an Eye Ice (eyeshadow shimmer).

I was impressed with the slick packaging although the shimmer came in a chunky glass bottle. The neck is so narrow, I can't even dip my socket brush in there! I have to tap the contents out so it's messy.

My second gripe is that the colour Serpentine is EXACTLY the same as the NYX Pearl Mania in Walnut.

I much prefer the packaging of the NYX and it's a fraction of the cost of Eye Ice. Suspect they are identical products but simply rebranded. Goes to show how much you pay is pure markup.

The other Scott Barnes products are lovely. The blush comes in three colours, one is a bronzer. The concealer's creamy and soft, perfect for under the eyes.

All the other products you see above are freebies. I had a Lancome makeover at David Jones tonight and was given a Virtuose mascara and Hydra Zen Yeax eyecream sample.

Also picked up another freebie from the YSL counter, their new Singulier mascara. The claims are ambitious so I can't wait to try it!

Skin Benefits Anti-Wrinkle Under Eye Gel Patches

I'm hoarding sixteen packets of these.

I was in Newcastle and came across a cosmetic warehouse store in Hunter Street Mall. There were lots of cheap beauty items but the best purchase were these under eye patches. Each box were $1 AUD each. I bought one and after the first use, I got my friend to buy lots more!

A box contains 4 pairs so I'm set for the next two years.

The product is from Skin Benefits. It's from the UK and they sell for £2.50-£6 online.

They are "hydro-gel" patches which you stick under your eyes to moisturise and refresh them.

Advertising says the product "effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving a revitalising cooling sensation on contact. Also helps with puffiness and dark circles.

Contains vitamins A & E, Green Tea and Gingseng extract. Ideal for travel, including long haul flights that dehydrate the skin."

These patches work (atleast cosmetically) although I use them differently than instructed. You're supposed to wear them for 15-30 mins whereas I wear them overnight. The next morning the skin under my eyes are moisturised, refreshed and don't crease when I smile. A huge plus!

The patches are comfortable to wear because they are soft and flexible. They certainly feel like they are made of gel.

If I'm tired looking, I'll use these to perk up. They were especially useful during my recent trip to Melbourne where I had long days. Makes me look like I've had sleep when I've actually had very little.

For the price and effectiveness-they are a STEAL! I would buy more but they might not have a shelf life longer than 2 years.

YSL Touche Eclat - Radiant Touch

Touche Eclat No 3 taken in natural light

Touche Eclat No 3 with flash

Hailed as a miracle product for those plagued with dark undereye circles, I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. I've now come to the age where sleep no longer has an affect on my dark circles so it's time to "shed some light" on the matter!

I was in Debenhams in London when I first tried this product. There were two colours and they both looked too pale on my hand. I did'nt bother about trying it around my eyes. The sales assistant put it on my friend's and she looked like she was wearing chalk!

Almost gave up on it until I found out that there was a third darker colour. Found it cheap on Ebay from the UK. After shipping, a full sized tube was $35 AUD. It retails for $75 AUD in the department stores and they don't stock the third colour.

Firstly I'm impressed with the slick gold compact brush pen.

The product is easy to dispense. Just press the button on the end and apply with the brush. As an ex-makeup artist, I don't agree with this design in terms of hygiene because the brush carries bacteria and it's difficult to clean. However as a normal person, the packaging is a fantastic convenience!

Bear in mind, this is not a concealer. It has very light coverage and if anything it's a highlighter.

Almost thought I bought a dud. After 15 frantic clicks of the button, a glob popped from the brush. The product has the consistency of liquid foundation and was very easy to blend. You still need to use your fingers to perfect it though.

Proud to say that I'm now a follower. Touche Eclat is indeed a miracle product because it makes you look like you've slept 10 hours and to an extent, makes you look younger too. It's an apricot colour but it illuminates and banishes the dark areas. No 3 was the perfect tone for my tanned skin.

Only a tiny bit is needed to cover the inner corners of my eyes. I've read that you can apply it under your brow bone to make eyes stand out too.

It easily solves the tired look and dark circles so this is a Holy Grail. Will be keeping this handy at all times!

If you're concerned about shelling out alot for a little (as a full sized product is 2.5ml), definatley scout around Ebay. You should find it cheaper than half the retail price. For those with medium to tanned skins, I don't know why No 3 is not at most departments stores so you might be taking a gamble if you can't test it. Since the consistency is light, it will easily blend into your skintone. I think it's worth taking the chance!

Jurlique Lavender Silk Dust

It's sweltering and humid in Sydney, which is bad news for my face. In London there was no need to slather sunscreen on everyday but now-OMG, all kinds of wrong. 

To combat oiliness and shine, I dust my face with this powder and it does wonders. I apply it like I would with mineral foundation. Tap a little into the lid, swirl with a kabuki brush and dust. A little goes a long way and the powder is so finely milled, you can't see it on your face. 

I bought it for $16AUD on sale years ago. Looks pricey for a bit of nice smelling talcum powder but it's actually talc-free and divinely packaged. Now the real bad news. Jurlique has re-packaged this product in a compact and the price has been marked up considerably. It's now called Lavender Silk Finishing Powder and it's RRP $43 AUD. Some health food shops carrying Jurlique may do sales on the range or you can check Ebay as it's cheaper there. I still recommend it because it lasts a long time and smells lovely!

Jurlique also has this dust in a rose or citrus scent. 

Frugalicious tip: My silk dust is the original style in a glass pot as pictured. The sifter comes off so when I've finished the product, I'll to refill it with pure cornflour which is a known home made face blotting powder. 

Rating: 4/5 stars. Shame on Jurlique for up-marketing this blotting powder but they did it because they can. There are no cheap substitutes like it that I know of. Makes your face matt and feeling silky. Beautifully scented so it's a treat to apply. 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Just pulled out a tube from six years ago and it's still good!

My skin is mega-oily and after reading rave reviews on Makeup Alley, I HAD to try it. 

I ordered from American Discount Beauty. Queen Helene products are cheap in the US and after the currency exchange, a large tube costs $12 AUD (not including shipping).

The tube was a hefty 8oz or 226.8g. Packaging was nothing fancy. Looks like a common household product but it promises extraordinary benefits such as:

*Relaxes tired muscles and eases tension lines on the face and neck.

*Suction action draws out waste matter from the pores.

* Dries up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and even helps shrink enlarged pores.

The masque is ridiculously thick and mint scented. I even had difficulty squeezing the tube because it's consistency is of pottery clay. It dries quicker than other masks and yes, I did feel the "sucking" action!

It noticeably stiffens as it dries. I was deliciously repulsed by the visible oil extracted from my pores. 

I wash off after half an hour and its a b*tch to remove. A cloth is definitely required as per instructions. I have some deeply enlarged pores on my nose and it was annoying to see tiny green bits of the masque remaining. (Gross, I know.)

The end result? Tightened refined pores and my skin glows! Very impressed with this product. If I remember, I'll use it twice a week to keep the oiliness and pores under control. 

You can also use the masque as an overnight spot treatment.

Rating: 5/5 stars. This product delivers on it's promises. Good value for money and a Godsend for oily skin. I will keep coming back to this HG (Holy Grail) product!