Estee Lauder finally released their CyberWhite HD skincare range in Australia, remember my post back in 2011 in regards to their BB cream? Fast forward to 2013, we now have two products from the CyberWhite HD collection available in Australia – a lotion and an essence.
Just to clarify, the lotion replaces the toner step and is a moisturising step instead of a stripping moisture from your face like most toner do. As for the essence, it is essentially a serum step. This collection is a collaboration between Germany and Japan, to study the effect of pollution on asian skin versus caucasian skin and was tested on Asian skin to address some specific Asian skin concern – namely pigmentation, brown spots, dullness and acne scarring.
Estee Lauder CyberWhite HD Advanced Spot Correcting Moisture Lotion in Fresh Moist – RRP AUD$75 (200 ml)
Use after the cleansing step, I pour a generous amount on a cotton pad and dab/pat all over my face and neck area to ensure it is absorbing into my skin. This step helps to refreshen skin and to prep skin to better absorb the essence step after. It also helps to remove any missed spot that hasn’t been cleanse properly and this will SHOW on the cotton pad.
The lotion is designed to rid skin of dullness, brighten and deliver hydration to balance skin. This comes in 2 formula – Fresh Moist and Intense Moist and I am reviewing Fresh Moist.
Results: This lotion contains fragrance and even with my sensitive and allergic prone skin it does not cause any reaction to my skin which is great. The lotion absorbs into my skin quite quickly and keeps my skin well hydrated and the welcoming refreshing floral scent also helps to revitalise skin. I quite like this especially in the mornings and is rotating between this and my all time favourite SKII Facial Treatment Essence depending on my skin’s needs and weather.
Estee Lauder Cyberwhite HD Advanced Spot Correcting Essence – RRP AUD$140 (30 ml)
Recommended to use straight after the lotion step, the Advanced Spot Correcting Essence step is a serum step where you apply before your moisturiser. Serum being the most concentrated step in your skincare is a step I’d always recommend ladies to invest their hard earned clams on. Always look out for serum that addresses your MAIN skin concern. Mine being dullness and scarring – makes this serum the perfect fit for my skincare routine.
Combining the highest level of HD-90 technology, this serum focuses in brightening the look of dark spots and to boost radiance to skin. Most of all, it also contain a high concentrate of anti inflammatory botanical helping to soothe skin, reduce redness and to even out skin tone.
Results: Every day and night, I diligently pump two full pumps to massage all over my face and neck. Surprisingly, despite this being a brightening product it fills my skin with moisture (in my past experience most brightening skin care product seems to feel a tad too drying on skin). This alone is a winner for me as we all know how DRYING it is in Australia.
I have been using this twice a day for the past 3 weeks and have noticed my skin looking more “even” textured. Less blotchy, less redness and less visibly acne scarring. Occasionally, I also use this around my eye areas with no issue whatsoever. Overall, I think it is fair to say ‘I love it!”.
Both products are available to purchase on Estee Lauder counters and online via esteelauder.com.au
Call 1800 061 326 for stockist
Meet Estee Lauder Pure Color Violet Underground Five Color Eye Shadow Palette (RRP AUD$90), the latest masterpiece designed by Tom Pecheux. Let’s hear from the mastermind himself in this exclusive interview.
What is the inspiration behind the Fall 2012 collection?
My inspiration behind the collection is a glam-rock look. I wanted to feature color, color that can be used and played with.
What type of look and woman did you have in mind when you created the Violet Underground collection?
I love women with a sense of fantasy. There are a lot of different types of women, but this is one of the types that I really appreciate. She is able to play a character. She is fun, chic and glam.
What is your favorite product from the Violet Underground collection, and why?
In my personal opinion, I love the look of a dark lip. A dramatic, dark lip says it all. The Pure Color Velvet Lipsticks and Pure Color Glosses in this collection can work alone or together for high-impact.
How do the Pure Color Velvet Lipsticks and Pure Color Glosses compliment the collection?
For Violet Underground, we brought back the Pure Color Velvet Lipstick formula from our Fall 2011 Trend Collection, Modern Mercury. It’s a perfect matte finish with a burst of moisture. One of my favorite looks, and a texture women want.
Before applying a bold eye, is there anything you need to do to prep the eye?
Before creating an eye look, it is important to make sure your eyes are not dry or greasy, especially when you work with bold colors. For Violet Underground, I like to use the pale pink (#1) from the Pure Color Five Color Eye Shadow Palette in Violet Underground as a base to avoid the greasy eyelid.
Also, before I create a dark eye look, I prep the skin and only use a little bit of foundation and powder around the eyes. Once completed, I used eye makeup remover to clean up any color that may have fallen on the skin. I then build the foundation on the entire face.
How do you recommend applying the Pure Color Five Color Eye Shadow Palette in Violet Underground?
There is no “right way” to apply the palette; it is really up to you and the look you are going for.
The pale pink shade (#1) can be used as a base, and black shade (#5) is traditionally used to frame the eyes. I think the violet shade (#4) is gorgeous on its own, and I like mixing the black shade (#5) with the pale pink shade (#1) as it creates a very interesting color effect.
Violet Underground features a full face statement; bold color on eyes, lips and nails. How do you recommend balancing the color? Is there a way to use the collection for a softer, everyday look?
With such bold colors, it is best to focus on either the lips or the eyes for a softer, everyday look. I love a nude face and eye with mascara and a simple black eyeliner, it is very pretty. You can also play it up with a dark lip or a bold eye for a sophisticated and sultry glam look.
With Violet Underground, you can create a softer look on the eyes with the pale pink shade (#1) as shadow and the black shade (#5) by the lashes as an eye liner. Once you have this softer base, you can build up your makeup, and bring it into glam sophistication with the darker shades for a sexy after-work look.
What is your beauty must-have for this season?
I love an invisible matte finish on the skin. I like to use the NEW Invisible Fluid Makeup; it’s a lighter foundation with a supremely effect. To create a matte finish, I use Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder in Transparent on top. It’s youthful and fresh.
For skin
Mary Kay has been available in Australia since 1971 and have since build a strong customer base via word of mouth. Good news is that they are now online and has just recently launched their new Botanical Effects collection; a collection for ladies who want simple steps and a complete routine for their skin type.
Botanical Effects collection (RRP AUD$120) comes in cleanser, freshen toner, moisturiser and mask catering needs for dry, normal and oily skin. Since I have oily/combination skin I went with the oily/sensitive skin range that is free from alcohol, fragrance and synthetic dyes. They are non comedogenic by clarifying and treating skin without further provoking skin. Loving how lightweight the moisturiser is and it doesn’t leave any greasy residue.
Skinvitals Hydraflex New Generation Cosmeceutical Masks Ranging from Hydraflex masks targeted for specific areas of the face/body which includes 3D face, neck/decollete, eyes and hands. Retailing at a very reasonable price point of RRP AUD$14.99 each, I am find these masks very handy for specific treatments. Be sure to check out the Hydraflex 3D Face mask that loops over the ears and also targets the neck area. It is a shame that the mask didn’t fit my face but I did enjoyed the results this mask provided. Instantly tightens my skin and my fine lines were less visible.
Q Silica Paw Paw Rescue Ointment (RRP AUD$8.95), this all natural multipurpose balm helps to soothe dryness on skin or on lips. I use this mostly on my lips and cuticles as they are the driest points on my body. With its natural fermented paw paw extract and soothing base of mineral silica, shea butter, beeswax, macadamia oil and calendula extract; this rich balm works by sealing in the moisture and protect skin from drying out.
Highly recommend this as a night treatment by applying a thick layer before bed and gently exfoliate lips with a wet toothbrush in the morning for baby smooth lips.
For makeup
When Clinique launched their Superbalanced Makeup (foundation), it quickly became a favourite amongst everyone I knew. The hardworking people with lab coats at Clinique decided to bring forth a new addition to the Superbalanced range – the Clinique Superbalanced Power Bronzer (RRP AUD$65). A lightweight and oil-free mineral powder bronzer that doubles as an oil absorbing make up product, suitable for all skin types and is especially great for combination/oily skin.
The smart packing also helps to prevent messy bronzer spilling everywhere, so all you need to do is turn grinder clockwise and a fresh dose of bronzing loose powder appears. Colour wise, the pigment is quite subtle and doesn’t have shimmer (my fav!) in it so it is great to use as a contouring product too! Love it.
Say hello to Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Palette in #Bronze Sands (RRP AUD$90). I have always been a big fan of EL eye shadow palettes, they seem to complement my skin tone very well, carries really good pigments and best of all they always come in fail proof shades.
The #Bronze Sands eyeshadow palette is no different. The formula is silky smooth, palette is pretty, shadows are pigmented and the finish is long lasting. You seriously can’t fault Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Palettes.
For hair
Tigi Catwalk Your Highness Volume Collection Root Boost Spray (RRP AUD$29.95) delivers lift and volume at the roots. Anything that promises lift and volume at the roots, will always be my weakness as I am forever out there hunting for the latest and newest technology to lift my limp, fine hair.
This one sprays fine mist foam onto the roots (only over damp hair) and massage well for lift & volume and blow dry according to your needs. Be sure to massage well because if you spray too much mist foam in one area of your hair and once dried, it will become stiff and you don’t want that. In terms of strength, this really delivers lift and volume while thickening hair without the heavy feeling.
Its official, I have a love hate relationship with dry shampoo. I love how they can somewhat cleanse my hair, reduce oiliness and make them look presentable in no time. I do however hate that not many shampoo in the market could serve me when I had darker hair and now that I have lighter hair, normal dry shampoo makes me look like I have dandruff issue. No matter how much I shake, comb and shake it off, the white powder residue JUST KEEPS COMING back. I have put this down to having way too oily hair hence the white dandruff looking flaky issue.
Bastiste Dry Shampoo recently launched the XXL Wild (RRP AUD$9.95) and Volume (RRP AUD$12.95) dry shampoos. Both of which does what it promises – cleaner, fresher, floral scented hair minus the grease which I like my hair to be 24/7. I have experimented in spraying the dry shampoo far away, close by, just underneath my top layer of hair, changing different type of combs, blow my hair with a hairdryer, essentially everything but seems to find the annoying white flakes to be unbeatable. Let me know if you do have a trick up your sleeves.
For body
Manicare Glambody Avant-Garde Collection Body Tattoo (RRP AUD$9.95) is the accessories for your skin with these dazzling designer inspired velvet and crystal body tattoo. This famous one was also recently spotted on Leighton Meester. Love it.
Sportsgirl recently launched their first ever fragrance collection also known as “Makes Scents”. This new collection is available in 4 different scents in a slim travel bottle design inspired by test tubes. Each scent is unique, energetic and is of playful nature. At RRP AUD$9.95, this collection is extremely affordable and it’s hard to miss the perfumes which are wrapped in graphic prints matching to the fragrance notes.
I am not much of a drinker these days but couldn’t help but noticed a drink that stands out – espresso martini seems to be a crowd favourite amongst both males and females. From the famous coffee house illy, they have recently released the illyquore, perfect for DIY-ing your own espresso martini at home (just add ice, shake & serve) or having it cold with ice and serve.
The options are endless, you just need to get creative with it.
Why I love it:
- A mascara that caters to both upper lash and bottom lash, how can you not love it?
- Love the black and brown mascara shade combo so that the bottom lashes won’t be too intense. Intense black for the top lashes and subtle brown for the bottom lashes. The perfect combo and definitely save space in the makeup bag.
- The brush sizes are perfect, big for the top lashes and miniature size for the bottom to coat each and every lashes effortlessly.
- The formula is smudgeproof, waterproof and it is easy to remove with warm water in the warm shower.
- Safe to wear with contact lenses and those with sensitive eyes
- To me this combo is more of a lengthening mascara for both top and bottom lashes so be sure to double/triple coat with a volumising mascara for the added volume. This however, works perfectly as my daily mascara routine.
You probably won’t be able to see much of the top lashes due to my really short and sparse lashes, but you get the idea with the bottom lashes. Subtle, defined and lengthened.
RRP AUD$58
Stockist number 1800 061 326
Available on Estee Lauder counters and online now
Before I start reviewing the new Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Face Creme & Night Serum, can I please say this is definitely one of the most luxurious skin care product I have been trialling thus far. Estée Lauder released the Re-Nutriv Re-Creation collection comprising of 4 key products – face creme, night serum, eye balm and night serum for eyes. These are sold by duos and I am reviewing the Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Face Creme & Night Serum combo.
Inspired by the “pristine depths of the Anterctic Ocean”, this collection focuses on delivering youthful looking skin and for skin to have a renewed radiance and striking vitality. The Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Face Creme & Night Serum promises to “restore skin for an ageless appearance” isn’t that every woman’s dream to wipe of signs of aging?
One of the breakthrough ingredient used in this collection is the Glacial Bio-Extract™. Yeap, it’s the same Antarctic glacier (deep purity water) in polar sea. While I have not heard of any skincare that uses this same extract, I do however know that there’s quite a few brands in the market that have sourced their key ingredients from deep sea. Here’s a small little excerpt from the guys in Estee Lauder and they can probably explain the technology in depth better than I can.
” The groundbreaking discovery began with an expedition of Spanish scientists sent to study the unique ecosystems of Antarctica. In the untouched glaciers of the Antarctic Ocean, explorers were amazed to discover flourishing life in such harsh environmental conditions. Soon researchers unlocked the incredible survival secret: a unique protein that allows life to thrive in otherwise impossible conditions. The revelation culminated in Estée Lauder’s new, exclusive skin-renewing breakthrough known as Glacial Bio-Extract™. In an advanced 8 step process using proprietary technology, this special extract is sustainably cultivated, refined and ultra-purified, becoming a rare, concentrated, incredibly potent essence with the power to strengthen and sustain skin in the challenging conditions it faces every day. A stunning breakthrough for beautiful skin, Glacial Bio-Extract™ is proven to boost skin’s natural elastin production[1] to help restore skin’s strength and resilience. Additionally, it is also a potent anti-irritant and helps optimise hydration levels. By helping to keep cells hydrated, healthy and protected, skin looks astonishingly beautiful with a more youthful look and striking vitality.”
What I love about it:
- Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Face Creme can be used day and night as you will only need a pea size for face and neck during the day and two pea sizes for night time (I prefer my night cream super thick to help lock in all the moisture loss during the day). The scooper that comes with the Face Creme helps to measure exactly how much is needed while keeping things hygienic.
- While the Face Creme is recommended to use for day time, I have been using this for mostly night (due to the richness of the creme and my oily/combination skin) and sometimes day if I find my skin is acting out and haven’t had any issues using this for the past 8 weeks. I have also done my research thoroughly there’s no SPF in the Face Creme so I don’t think it would be an issue using this at night.
- Packaging wise, they are hands down luxurious to the max and they comes with a stand of their own to hold products in place.
- Texture wise the Face Creme is quite rich (something I have expected for a cream with this price point). To work the product into my skin, I made sure to warm it up between my palm and press/pat it onto my skin and finish it off with a quick facial massage for it to thoroughly absorb into my skin and help boost circulation (something you can only do with a rich emollient creme).
- Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Night Serum on the other hand, I only use this serum at night. I prefer to keep oil based skin care products to use at night and this is also recommended for night use only.
- The Night Serum contains luxurious natural oil – karjana oil and evening primrose oil. Even though it contains oil, it is more like a silky, light oil consistency.
- I use 3-4 drops for my entire face and neck area. This is sufficient for me to heat up between my palms and massage all over my face/neck area. I have also massage this Night Serum around my eye area and my lip and haven’t had any issues, so it’s safe to say it is okay to bring it to those areas.
- Upon application, I can feel instant supple and softer skin.
Results, let’s talk results. I use both the Serum & Face Creme hand in hand so my results will be based on the combination of these two products. Both products has this strong floral scent to it, smells very comforting and definitely helps to soothe me. After a quick research, I found that they contain a list of precious flowers to help create the comforting floral scent – Water Lotus, Hyacinth, Cyclamen, Night Blooming Orchid, Tiger Lilies, Sandalwood.
In terms of results to the skin, complete hydration during winter ticked, glowy skin the day after ticked, more resistant skin (eg: no fine lines after sitting next to heater, less break out and more even skin tone), clearer and unified skin in general. While this is no miracle product to erase all my flaws it did however helped to regulate my oily/combination skin, I now no longer feel tight in my skin and oily on the surface. This is something I haven’t experienced with many skincare products available in the market.
In addition, I’ve noticed fine lines around my eye area seems to have smoothed out and my skin is general is less prone to breakouts. Love how my skin is visibly more unified, result I can see and feel. Win win!
For more info:
Re-Nutriv Re-Creation collection is non-acnegenic, dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, formulated for all skin types.
Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Face Creme & Night Serum RRP AUD $1,350
Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Eye Balm & Night Serum for Eyes RRP AUD $550
Stockist Number – 1800 061 326
Available on selected Estée Lauder counters nationwide and online
Recently, Estee Lauder launched a new foundation, the same one I have hinted previously with my exclusive interview with Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder. You see their tag line for this foundation is See No Makeup. Feel No Makeup.™ - big call and I knew I had to trial it to believe it myself.
The new Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup contains Estee Lauder’s exclusive new, patent-pending IntuiTone™ technology (something to do with the colours of the foundation working with your skin’s undertone to match all skin colours), meaning it blends into skin of every ethnicity (score!) and gives this natural shade match. Upon application, this foundation feels very watery but somehow absorbs into skin very quickly leaving a light coverage that feels almost weightless.
After trialling this foundation for a couple of times, this was the ONLY foundation I took with me to go on my 4 weeks holiday (aside for a few other BB creams). Reason why I took this with me is because it gives me a natural finish, one that boost translucency without oxidise on my skin after hours of wear and doesn’t appear cakey, drying or smudges after long hours of wear. On top of that, for some reason this foundation worked really well at oil controlling even without the help of primer/translucent powder. Coverage wise, this is light to medium so if you need heaps of coverage you might need to look into using concealer.
One of the best quality of this foundation is that it is capable of covering redness (mild redness) so it saves me from spending additional time to use concealer to cover redness. Be sure to shake the bottle prior to application to ensure a smooth flawless finish. Don’t forget to pop by your nearest Estee Lauder to professional colour match your foundation shade.
Oil free, alcohol free, non acnegenic, dermatologist tested.
RRP AUD $68.00
Stockist Number: 1800 061 326
Available on Estee Lauder counters and online now
In end of Jan 2012, Estee Lauder released a bold Pure Color Topaz collection for Summer 2012. It was inspired by the warm, sun-bleached tones of the desert. Think yellows, browns, soft glistering shades. This limited edition makeup collection features a mosaic of sublime bronze, taupe and sand dune shades with hints of sparkle in it.
“Conceived by Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux, pieces of the Topaz collection debuted at the Derek Lam Spring 2012 show where Pecheux complimented the clean minimalist fashion with a dreamy, warm look of shimmering eyes highlighted in yellow, lightly bronzed contoured cheeks and a sheer golden lip that captured the mood of the season.”
I received three items from the limited edition collection – Estee Lauder Pure Color Topaz Mosaic Eyeshadow Palette, Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Polish and Estee Lauder Pure Color Lip gloss, for some reason all are very fitting for Autumn in my opinion.
Here it is the limited edition Estee Lauder Pure Color Five Color Eyeshadow Palette in Topaz Mosaic (RRP AUD$90). It is a mix of five sun-drenched neutral desert tones with a refreshingly pop of citron yellow at the center. Combining neutral bronze, taupe, sand dune with a pop of yellow for a strong yet invitingly warm eye. The citron yellow works as an illuminator or as a highlighter for a golden halo effect. Just a note though, the whole palette comes with specks of shimmer in it even though it isn’t obvious in the above picture.
Pigment wise, these shadows are medium and are buildable. I especially love the top left shade a pinkish beige colour that really brightens and compliments my eye and the citron yellow. Both shades are rarely found in eye shadow palettes they are both a keeper!
Estee Lauder Pure Color gloss in Citron Kiss (limited edition, RRP AUD$42) is an ultra sheer sun kissed shade that dresses lips with golden particle pearls for a shiny natural look. As I’m all for bold lip colours, this one compliments by locking in my lipstick and keeping my lips moist.
As for the nails, I love the Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Teal Topaz (limited edition, RRP AUD$38), definitely the highlight of the collection for me. Such a bold blue-green turquoise shade that compliments all type of skin tone and is a breathe of freshness to my nail polish collection. Looks awesome on toes too.
All products reviewed are currently available on counters
Pure Color Topaz Summer 2012 collection is available for a limited time only at Myer and David Jones stores, selected pharmacies and online at www.esteelauder.com.au
Following Estee Lauder’s successful make up line – ‘Double Wear’ from foundations to eye shadows, they have now included the new 12 hour staying power Double Wear Stay-in-Place lipsticks and lip pencils . Comes in a range of gorgeous and matching lip liners, if you’re a lipstick fan you wouldn’t want to miss out on these.
Top: #Stay Apricot (Lipstick), Bottom:#10 Russet (Lip pencil)
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in #10 Russet
RRP AUD$38
Applied with #10 Russet Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip pencil. Apply it all over the lip area, it doesn’t have to be perfect just make sure you line your lip all over. This is to ensure you prep your lips with a better ‘grip’ for lipstick application.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lipstick in #Stay Apricot
RRP AUD$45
Double Wear lipstick is creamy and is easy enough to apply. I used the lip brush that comes with the lip pencil to even out the corners and to paint over the lips. The finish is a nice comfortable non glossy/sticky matte finish. If you tissue off and do a double layer, you are almost certainly guaranteed to have lipstick on your lip way past noon time. I love it!
Both products are available on Estee Lauder counters nationwide now
