Posts tagged ‘adore beauty’

May 16, 2010

Product Review: Ultraceuticals Ultra A Eye Cream

You may have heard me talk about Ultraceuticals skincare products before. Ultraceuticals is an Australian made and owned brand that I was introduced to via Adore Beauty sometime last year. Their Ultra Moisturising Cream is one of my favourite facial moisturisers, so when I received the Ultra A Eye Cream to try and review I admit that I was excited to check out another product from their range.

What is great about this product…

As with the Ultraceuticals products I have used in the past, the Ultra A Eye Cream is very gentle on skin. It has a medium-thick sort of texture but sinks quickly into skin without leaving any residue. The skin is left feeling soft and hydrated. The Ultra A Eye Cream is non-scented, which is becoming something of a necessity for me when it comes to skincare. I find non-scented products always work better on my skin. I skipped one morning of using the eye cream and noticed a huge difference in the hydration of the skin around my eyes, and I really didn’t like it. So much so that I took my makeup off and started again from skincare up! Another thing I like about the product is the packaging. (yes, I do prefer skincare that looks good sitting on my shelf. I am shallow like that.) Oh, and as hefty as the price tag may seem ($85 AUD for the 20ml tube) I have been using this cream day and night for weeks and still have around 98% of the product left.

What is not so great about this product…

Now, in all honesty I do find it hard to see any difference in my eye area when it comes to eye creams. Perhaps it’s my shocking eyesight coming in to play, or perhaps I am subconsciously choosing to ignore the fact that I may have one or two fine lines that could do with some erasing. So this issue seems to have arisen with the Ultra A Eye Cream too. The product claims to help visibly smooth and refine existing wrinkles to make the eye area look smoother and more youtful. To me, well, it sort of looks exactly the same. Perhaps this difference takes a little longer than a few weeks? I’m not sure.

The Ultraceuticals Ultra A Eye Cream is available for purchase from online retailer Adore Beauty.

May 2, 2010

Product Review: Moroccanoil

I had been dying to try out Moroccanoil ever since reading that Jessie Baylin (she of impeccable hair) swore by it. I had made some half-assed attempts at finding an online retailer, but had forgotten about it until Adore Beauty made the exciting announcement that they were going to stock the brand! I made an order as soon as the stock hit the shelves (perfect timing too, as it sold out soon after) and eagerly anticipated it’s arrival on my doorstep. I have been using it nearly every day since.

What is great about this product…

I’ll start with the smell because this seems to divide people a bit. I like the smell, but I know of a few people who aren’t that keen on it. It’s hard to describe but I would say it’s sweet with a very subtle hint of spice. The scent does tend to linger in your hair, so if you don’t like it – be wary that it will hang around for a little while. The product itself is great and keeps my hair soft and silky and keeps the flyaways and frizziness at bay. I have fine hair (but quite a bit of it) so I was concerned that a hair oil might be a bit too heavy for me. The oil somehow manages to sink into my hair, and after blowdrying there is no residue whatsoever, and my hair is light and soft and not weighed down at all. When I first received the bottle I honestly thought it was a little small for the price, but after using it for months it is still around 90% full so I would honestly have to say it’s worth the price tag.

What is not so great about this product…

The packaging can be a little tricky. It is a pour bottle, which can be kind of messy and slippery because you’re dealing with a thick oil. I think a pump bottle of some kind would probably be a better set up for this product.

Moroccanoil retails for $49.50 AUD for 100ml. International readers can search for a stockist at the Moroccanoil website, and Australian readers can purchase Moroccanoil exclusively from Adore Beauty.

April 15, 2010

Product Review: Benefit High Beam

I had heard amazing things about Benefit High Beam (and was skeptical), but had never had a chance to try it out for myself. Luckily, I received a package from Adore Beauty last week that contained a little sample of this magical product for me to try out and review.

What is great about this product…

I always love when the first thing I can say about a product is that it actually works. I put my skepticism aside and tested out the Benefit High Beam before heading out for a night on the town. When I came home later that night, I still had a beautiful shimmery glow happening on my cheeks. We all love a bit of photographic evidence, right? So here it is:

That pretty sheen stayed on the apples of my cheeks and cheekbones throughout the night. It does have a bit of sparkle to it, (which some might find too much for daytime) but that is only if you look quite closely. Otherwise it just looks like you have a very pretty inner glow happening. The product is great value for money too, with the price point being $45 AU for 13ml. You only need one tiny dab of the product to last throughout the day or night, so one bottle will definitely last a while. I have been wearing this every day from the first time I tried it out, that is how much I love it!

What is not so great about this product

I can honestly say that there isn’t anything negative I can think of to say about this product. Except that I am yet to have a full bottle of it in my beauty cupboard!

Benefit High Beam is available for international purchase at Adore Beauty.

March 21, 2010

Guest Blog – Katerina’s Complete Eyeshadow Bible Pt 5

The time has come (the walrus said) for the final installment of the guest blog by Katerina Psathas from Adore Beauty. This blog is for the Grey Eyed ladies out there, with some last minute tips for ladies with all eye colours. Be sure to check out the previous posts from Katerina regarding eyeshadow basics, blue eyes, brown eyes and green eyes!

Katerina’s Complete Eyeshadow Bible Pt 5

Grey Eyes: Amp up the sultriness of mysterious grey eyes with colours like…

- Grey
- Blue
- Black

Katerina’s choice for Grey Eyes:

Bloom Eye shadow in Platinum, Slate & Ash $25 (blends beautifully, and have a lovely depth)

And Benefit’s Smokin’ Eye Kit (listed below)

Katerina’s choice for all eye colours:

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes Kit ($59) Why? The perfect staple eye shadow colors for any girl’s makeup bag. The dark brown in matte so you can use it as a brow powder/liner and the lightest colour can be used as a shimmer on cheekbones. Complete with a Boi-ing concealer (a godsend) and honestly, the brushes included are terrific, especially the shadow blender.

Benefit Smokin’ Eyes Palette $68 Why? It literally contains everything you could possible need for a smoky eye look. Great colours, great quality in a cute little compact.

NOTE: Please don’t let this list restrict you from colours you want to try! Eye shadow is fun and I suggest you have a play around with a few different colours and looks…!

- Katerina

I really hope that this amazing 5 part guest blog from Katerina was helpful to you guys! I know it was for me, and I am definitely looking at buying some eyeshadows in colours I probably wouldn’t have looked at before. (After my Project 10 Pan of course) Be sure to head on over and check out the amazing Adore Beauty, it is by far one of my favourite online beauty stores!
March 18, 2010

Guest Blog – Katerina’s Complete Eyeshadow Bible Pt 4

It’s time for Part 4 of our amazing guest post from Katerina Psathas (from Adore Beauty). This post is dedicated to the green eyed ladies out there, and is especially helpful for me as I have green eyes myself. Be sure to check out the previous posts from Katerina regarding eyeshadow basics, blue eyes and brown eyes!

Katerina’s Complete Eyeshadow Bible Pt 4

Green Eyes: If you have blessed with gorgeous green eyes, make everyone else even more jealous by using the following colours, to make sure they don’t go unnoticed…

- Deep Purple
- Violet
- Burgundy
- Plum
- Brown
- Copper
- Pretty much anything with a mauve/plum undertone

Katerina’s choice for Green Eyes:

I really can’t get enough of these Duwop palettes! Duwop Eye Palette – Violet Eyes ($49)

Napoleon Perdis Ultra Pearl Shadow in Wine $25 (one of my ALL time favourite colours) Why? I bought this eye shadow over 3 years ago and I still use to this day. It never fails to get me a bucket load of compliments, and really helps to make my brown eyes stand out. During the day I wear it with a champagne base, and at night I use it as a base and smoke it up with black. Hot.

(Excuse the poor swatch, it’s a beautiful pearl finish deep burgundy)

Bloom Eye shadow in Sunset and Bone, $25 Why? Bloom has some of the easiest to apply eye shadows I have come across. They are good value for money, the colour range is extensive and the pigment quality is brilliant.

- Katerina

I hope this was helpful to some of the green eyed ladies out there. Personally, I am considering the DuWop palette in Violet Eyes… Stay tuned for Part 5 and the final guest blog from Katerina & her Eyeshadow Bible – Grey Eyes.
March 4, 2010

Guest Blog – Katerina’s Complete Eyeshadow Bible Pt 1

The gorgeous and super helpful Katerina Psathas from Adore Beauty was kind enough to take the time to write a lengthy guest blog for The Belle Lumiere about all of the different shades of eyeshadow options for different eye colours, and eyeshadow basics. All products listed are available for purchase from Adore Beauty. This is Part 1 – Primers & Eyeshadow Basics.

Katerina’s Complete Eyeshadow Bible

So many colours, so many looks! Shimmer, glitter matte aargh, eye shadow can be confusing! As a makeup artist I am constantly asked, what eye shadow should I wear? So forget all the things you have previously been told, blue eyes should wear blue eye shadow etc. and embrace Katerina’s Complete Eye Shadow Bible. First and foremost, it’s important to clarify, that there are no hard or fast rules regarding colour. There are some combinations I thought would never work, but then in reality have looked amazing. However, if you really want to make your eyes stand out, there are particular products, colours and techniques you can use that will help you achieve this.

GETTING STARTED…..

Eye Primer/Base

Why? The eye lid is super duper oily, thus a lot of us find our eye shadow creases throughout the day, or even comes right off, and what a waste of all that glorious effort. A good quality eye primer is not only going to ensure that your shadow stays intact all day, but it will also bring out the true colour of your eye shadow. (Ever bought a seemingly brilliant coloured eye shadow only to get home, apply it and find it looks a little bleh? Yep, so have I.) I have listed a couple of little troopers that I have worked with and personally use myself. My honest opinion, I wouldn’t bother taking more than 30 seconds applying eye shadow if I haven’t got a base on.

Katerina’s choice of eye primers;

Benefit Stay Don’t Stray Eye Primer $45 Why? It’s also a primer for your concealer, to prevent it from falling into fine lines around the eye and creating lines and that “cakey” look.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics $42 Why? It’s oil-free, water-resistant and incredibly light, which is important when dealing with the eye area. It looks so natural, if you apply it to one eye, your other eye looks odd! Comes in a great range of colors to target specific discoloration concerns around the eye area.

Types of Eye Shadow:

Matte – Suitable for all ages, great for creating depth and smoky looks. Careful you don’t go looking all dull and Melrose Place with too much matte shadow on the eye. Can be a bit tricky to blend, especially darker colours.

Satin – Suitable for all ages, nice natural sheen compared to a matte shadow and generally easer to blend.

Pearl – Suitable for all ages, beautiful opaque finish but not glittery/shimmery.

Shimmer – Suitable for all ages, can be used with a matte to spice things up a bit. Shimmer not to be confused with glitter. Shimmer is much more refined, sheer and complimenting even on a mature skin. If you’re not too confident, use matte shadow colours with one shimmer.

Glitter – Has visible pieces of glitter throughout product. Can be super glamorous when used in moderation, mature skins, beware!

Cream – Beautiful texture, super easy to blend and create great looks quickly. Can be applied with the finger. Most will crease and definitely will require a good quality eye primer underneath. Gives that glossy, polished look.

Loose Shimmer – Gorgeous colour ranges, a wide range of effects can be achieved with loose shimmers. Bear in mind you must wear a primer underneath or most of the colour will fall off throughout wear.

- Katerina

This is part one of a 5 part guest blog from Katerina. Stay tuned! (next post: Blue Eyes)
February 27, 2010

Shopping Diary 27/02/2010

In my hungover and hazy state this morning I placed an order at Asos.com and officially blew the budget. I am on a personal no-buy challenge now until March 27th! This means no shopping for anything for myself, and doing my best to spend as little as possible. (this means 1 coffee a day at work, eek the horror!) I may have also made a couple of sneaky purchases at Adore Beauty and the shops yesterday… All things I’ve wanted for a while though! Of course that makes it okay.

I also bought a beautiful watercolour print chiffon blouse from Australian label Basque, Pantene 3 Minute Miracle (3 pack) and three nailpolishes from Mecca Cosmetica (Rosaline, Perdita and Violenta). All shopped out for a while I think!
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