A while back, Garnier released a BB cream and it ended up feeling more like a tinted moisturiser than an actual BB cream. In fact, I didn’t like it as much as it was too glowy/oily look for my combination skin. Fast forward, 6 months later Garnier announced the new addition to their BB cream collection known as the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector. This one comes in two shades – light & medium (I am using light) and is designed for oily & combination skin my type of skin.
The new Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector comes in a tube packaging with SPF 15 sun protection and all the promised benefits like non comedogenic, visually reduce pores and imperfection, even out skin flaws, shine control, mattifying finish, hydrates and to boost a healthy glow.
Texture wise, I find this BB cream quite watery. In fact, no extra pressure needed to squeeze the tube because the content actually overflows from the tube whenever I unscrew the cap. Again, with BB creams, finger application is often the recommended way for even application. I also find that due to the watery texture of this BB cream, it makes application equally effortless, not much blending effort was required for a full face application.
Coverage wise, it is quite effective in covering my minor discoloration/age spots/dark eye circles. Surprisingly, this is also great for covering redness and slightly covering my darker/deeper scarring. Needless to say, I love the coverage of this BB cream and I don’t even need my concealer whenever I use this.
In terms of finish, I love how it absorbs into my skin and matches my skin tone perfectly. The finish is matte and doesn’t leave my skin oily/greasy looking and yet it delivers a muted shade of healthy glow. In addition, I don’t need any setting powder on top of this. Without setting powder at approximately 8 hours later there was only a very slight smudges around the nose and mouth area, I am quite impressed with the durability of this BB cream. I think I may have stumbled upon my favourite BB cream to launch in Australia yet.
Please note: If you have dry skin, this is perhaps not the best BB cream for you because it won’t be moisturising and dewy enough for dry skin.
RRP AUD$13.95 (50ml)
Available on counters now
For your face:
Say hello to Prestige Cosmetics’ brand spanking new Total Intensity Eyeshadow. Available in 8 shades with RRP AUD$18.99 each, these eye shadows can be used both wet and dry. Texture wise, these eyeshadow are smooth, and the colour pay off is medium to high pigment. The finish is matte with a metallic sheen to most of the eyeshadows (with one that comes with a shimmery finish) and is long lasting (I do use eyeshadow primer) with no smudging issues.
Swatches from left to right: #Addiction, #Crave, #Spellbound, #Bewitched
Swatches from left to right: #Hypnotized, #Hocus Pocus, #Obsession, #Black Magic
Next, we have Fixaderm (RRP AUD$14.95 (30ml)), your natural solution to everyday skin repair. You can use this on dry skin, acne, cuts, scratches, minor burns, bites, strings, chafing, scarring, stretchmarks, food and hand care. Basically it’s an unique blend of natural oil to help promote healthy skin cell. The 5 active oils in this are – Calendula, Lavender, Patchouli, Rosehip and Tea Tree. In addition, there are a blend of excipient oils like Almond, Camellia, Jojoba, Evening Primrose, Niaouli and Rosewood.
I love using this on dry bits on my body and pimple scarring to help heal my skin just that bit quicker. Alternatively, you can add a few drops to your body moisturiser for an intense hydration boosting. Made in Australia and you can get this online here.
Remember the good ol trusty Clinique Moisture Surge? Clinique recently launched the intense version - Clinique Moisture Surge Intense RRP AUD$60. Just as good with the previous formula, this one is perfect for very dry to dry combination skin to help lock in moisture in skin.
This oil free rich cream-gel delivers moisture in skin and help to fortify and repair skin barrier. Since I have oily combination skin, I use this predominately at night and to rehydrate my skin overnight. You can also use this as a 5 minutes mask to moisturise skin.
For your skin:
Garnier recently released two body intensive body gel-lotion to promote healthy, moisturised skin for your body at an affordable price of RRP AUD$6.95 for 400ml. Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Gel-Lotion with Peach Extract and Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Gel-Lotion with Grape Extract are both fragranced free formula and is suitable for sensitive skin too. I find this moisturiser perfect for those who hate the feeling of moisturiser on their skin but also suffer from dry itchy skin.
For your nails:
Revitanail Conditioning Remover Wipes (RRP AUD$5.95) & Revitanail Precision Corrector (RRP AUD$12.95) are the new addition to Revitanail nail care. Both of these are designed to simplify your life by helping you to make mundane tasks easier and more efficient. The Conditioning Remover Wipes are easy to use and removes nail polishes effectively. I recommend to bring this with you on your holiday to remove chipped nails. This is hydrating, acetone free and great on sensitive nails & cuticles.
As for the Precision Corrector, this is also great to remove annoying nail polish smudges, mistakes and to take off those excess nail polishes on the side of nails. It also comes with replaceable tips and cuticle conditioning formula.
Another week and it is time for another beauty round up. This time around we cover products from Sisley, Dermalogica, Garnier, Parlux and Slic Skin.
For skin:
This week we look into Sisley’s latest colour Jewel collection covering everything from eye shadow, lipstick to mascaras. Notably, the Sisley Ombre Eclat in #Rose Burgendy (RRP AUD$55) is a standout.
It’s a silky formula eye shadow that blends onto eyelids easily and is pigmented at the same time. In the palette it looks like a cross between red and purple and once swatched it is more of a rose red shade with a hint of bruise purple in it. See how pigmented the swatch is? You can apply this wet or dry on the lids and is a dream to blend.
Dermalogica recently re-released the new version of their best selling Oil Free Matte SPF 30 sunscreen(RRP AUD$68.50). Great for oily skin, doesn’t break skin out while provides broad spectrum sunscreen protection. Best of all, it doesn’t leave your skin shiny/greasy while providing full sun protection. What is there not to love this great sunscreen?
For hair:
For affordable, fruity and product that smells great; do take a look at Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine 72H Weightless Smoothing Fortifying Shampoo, Conditioner RRP AUD$5.95 (250ml).
For those who style their hair frequently, be sure to coat your damp hair with Fructis Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist RRP AUD$9.95 prior to hair styling top ensure your hair is healthy and silky. I rate this hair mist because it is lightweight and doesn’t weight my hair down.
Finally a hairdryer that is eco friendly whilst not compromising its drying capability and is in fashionable white instead of your usual black colour. Parlux 3800 White Pearl Eco Friendly Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer (RRP AUD$189.95) is your go-to hairdryer for a better environment and a speedy blow dry at home. You can purchase this via i-glamour with free shipping.
For body:
I have heard great things about Silcskin Facial Pads (RRP AUD$28.95) and didn’t think I have décolletage lines since I don’t have big boobies problems. However, I have noticed that by being a serial side sleeper, it has left my lines/marks on one side of my face. So now, I go to bed Silcskin Facial Pads when I go to bed to prevent new lines from forming on my face and help to soften the existing ones. Overall, I am really happy with the facial pads and find them to be very convenient and easy to use.
One thing though, be sure to go easy on the facial products prior to applying the facial pads so that they can stick to the skin properly. Alternatively, you can also cut them up and use it in any way you like. These medical grade silicone are reusable and are self adhesive.
All products are now available in the market
#1 Remington Salon Pro Keratin Therapy Tong – Perfect timeless wavey curls each and every time with this tong.
#2 Garnier Hand Intensive 7 Days Protecting Hand Cream – Effective and value for money with the amount you get.
#3 Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod - Refreshing and great for time of the month to de-bloat.
#4 Lancome Rouge in Love lipsticks – Very hydrating even for dry lips and comes in a range of GORGEOUS shades. Also love Midnight Rose.
#5 Bioderma Crealine H20 – They don’t call this the miracle cleansing water for nothing. Great for even the most sensitive skin.
#6 Sisley Phyto Blanc Intensive Lightening Serum – Haven’t seen such great results from a brightening serum in a loooong while.
#7 Tom Ford Nail Lacquer Spring 2012 – Designer luxe + beauty = cult must haves!
Notable mention, I LOVE Clara H Nails from Tsumiki Design.
1. Garnier Gentle Brightening Foam/Scrub AUD$6.95 (each)
- Affordable
- Doesn’t feel harsh or strip skin of its natural moisture
2. Maybelline Volum’ Epress One by One Satin Black Mascara AUD$19.25
- Limited edition made to celebrate Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2012, only 100,000 available throughout May
- Massive 300 bristles brush that de clumps with a carbon black finish
3. Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ AUD$29.95
- New improved formula
- Cult favourite and one of the best rosehip oil available in the market
- Very autumn appropriate collection
- Featuring shades of browns and deep reds
- For the sensitive areas like upper lips, chin and brows (Note: I’m not a brow wax fan so have only tried this on my upper lips)
- Handy slanted precision tip to control the amount of wax to apply
6. John Frieda Salon Shine Hair Dryer AUD$69.95
- Has metallic matt finish and high gloss chrome accents
- Utilises advanced ionic technology, 3 heat and 2 speed settings + cold shot option
- Lightweight to carry around
Garnier Body Intensive 7 days Rich Repairing Cream with Shea Butter for extra dry, damaged skin
Garnier Body Intensive 7 days Rich Nourishing Cream with Mango Oil for Dry, Rough Skin
RRP AUD$8.95 each
- The intensive body creams contain L-Bifidus for a richer and more luxurious formula
- Designed to combat the dryness to ensure your skin is nourished
- While both products are rich repairing and nourishing, these creams looks and feels very thick and creamy. However, once massaged onto the skin, it absorbs very quickly and doesn’t leave any sticky residue
- Personally, I much prefer the nourishing cream because it comes with mango oil and smells really delicious!
Garnier Hand Intensive 7 Days Protecting Hand Cream with Aloe Vera for Normal to Dry Hands
Garnier Hand Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream with Mango Oil for Dry, Rough Hands
Garnier Hand Intensive 7 Days SOS Repairing Hand Balm with Shea Butter for Extra-Dry, Cracked Hands
RRP AUD$4.25 each
- These long lasting hydrating hand creams are perfect for on the go ladies who are after hand cream protection and nourishment with fast absorbing formula
- They also contain the L-Bifidus formula like the ones in the body cream
- While I didn’t see much of a different between the formulas I suppose it would come down to how you would like your hand cream/balm to feel and smell like. If you are after something fruity, go for Nourishing Hand Cream, if you are after something creamy, go for SOS Repairing Hand Balm (bit richer than the rest), if you are after something that smells clean/fresh, go for the Protecting Hand Cream
- For it’s price these hand creams are truly a bargain!
I have a confession to make, I often nap with make up on. Those are the day either I can’t be bothered or too lazy to wash and remove make up. I do however started to make an effort to at the very least wipe off “foundation/gunk” off my face and neck prior to napping now. This is all thanks to Garnier Clean Detox Refreshing Cleansing Wipes MULTI-ACTION RRP AUD$7.95 (25 wipes).
It is easy to use, wipes off everything (yes including foundation, long wearing lipstick and even eye shadow) and doesn’t leave skin tight. In fact, it leaves skin clean and refreshed with its Green mint and Vitamin E infused sheets. The sheets are quite thick so I can use both ends of the sheet to wipe my face and neck and they do not sting my eyes when I bring it close to my eyes to remove eye make up.
I can however get a little messy if you remove liquid liner or mascara, so I’d recommend proper eye makeup removal if you intend to remove those. Needless to say, this is on my must-bring list for travelling or prior to me taking my nanna nap.
For glowy healthy skin and make up to last, here are some of the trialled and tested handy tips that has worked for me and helped me overcome skin issues. Hopefully you’ll find it useful during this silly season.
1) Wear a primer
One for the face and one for the eyes. Especially if you have oily eyelids NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is god sent. Whatever you do, don’t put silicon based primer on your eye lids or else even the toughest long wearing shadows won’t be able to stay in place.
Other primer recommendations include - Benefit Stay Don’t Stray Primer $45, Napoleon Perdis Autopilot Pre Foundation Skin Primer $55, Face of Australia Face Base Primer $11.95, NP Set – Pre Foundation Brightening Primer/Calming Primer $33 each
2) Use mask regularly
5 years ago, I banged on about my obsession with facial masks. 5 years later, I still do and commit time and effort to do at the very least two facial mask sessions a week. Be it cream, gel, facial cloth, clay variation I make sure I do masks according to my skin’s need.
Facial masks that I recommend – Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask (for boosting), Rodial Snake Mask $85 (for tightening), Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability Intense Moisture Filling Mask $95 (for moisture), Jan Marini Skin Zyme Mask (for brightening)
3) Use lash strengthening products
With sparse eyelashes like mine and daily abuse (curling, mascara, make up removal), I find my lashes fall out faster than they can replenish that was until I met lash boosting products. These products not only work for lashes so if you have brow sparseness you can use it too. It helps to prevent lash prematurely breakage and to keep lashes healthy, strong and boosts the length.
Highly recommend – Rapid Lash Eyelash Renewal Serum $65, Xtreme Lash Amplif Eye Lash & Brow Fortifier $129, MAC Prep + Prime Future Lash Serum $60
4) Never neglect eye cream
It worked for me and I firmly believe eye cream works. With new technologies, eye cream helps to de-puff, tightens, reduce dark eye circles and plump up the eye area.
Try: Garnier Skin Naturals Caffeine Eye Roll-On $17.95, Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator $95, AUM Anti Age Organics Firming Eye Cream $26.95, StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles $69
5) Arm yourself with make up spray
Think of it as your “hairspray” for your face. Helps to lock in moisture, make up and to help blend everything together. Usually just spray 2-4 pumps all over face after make up is done and gently pat everything in place and viola, long lasting makeup all day!
Love: Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray $29.95, Clarins Fix Make-up Mist $34, Kora Balancing Rose Mist
