beauty products - Inspired Living SA

Beauty, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup

My most recent beauty review for the Beauty Bulletin, is of the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup. You may recall my review of the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Radiance Blush, which was the first Elizabeth Arden product that I had used. I have been most impressed with the blush and was really excited to try this foundation.

I am quite fussy when it comes to choosing a foundation for myself, not only is my skin quite oily in parts but I also have pigmentaion. A foundation has to fulfill a fair amount of requirements for me – it has to give good coverage with out being too thick and pasty and while I like it to be moisturising, it cannot be overly so and make me look like an oil-slick.

I have tried quite a few mineral foundations, with not much success and liquid foundations can be a bit light on the coverage front, which is why I really like a compact foundation. Not only are they neat, easy to store and carry in your makeup bag but I find the application is much more even.

The Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup, which I have been using is the perfect mix of moisturising and great coverage. The colour that I have tried is Cognac, no.56. I was a bit worried at first that the colour was a bit dark for my skin but I have been happy with the colour and the overall appearance of my skin after application. The end result definitely lives up to the promise of a flawless finish 🙂

The makeup comes in a neat gold compact, with a sponge applicator and a handy compartment to store it. Perfect for makeup touch-ups on the run!

Makeup application is very much personal preference. Some people prefer to apply foundation with a sponge for applicator but you can also use a foundation brush or your finger tips, to apply it to your skin. I have used the sponge applicator with this makeup, as well as my finger tips to apply it and would recommend either of these, over brush application. The main thing is to ensure that your hands are clean and that you either wash or replace the sponge regularly, to avoid a build up of bacteria!

My general routine is to apply serum, moisturiser and a bit of concealer or primer. I usually wait for approximately 10 minutes before I apply my foundation and the rest of my makeup. I have also made a video review for you so that you can see the makeup application in the “flesh” – I hope you enjoy it and would love you to subscribe to my YouTube Channel, so that you do not miss out on future reviews and tutorials!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roTq4RJGS08&feature=share&list=UUW-Ptg2fpKFHowi0_J6Po_w[/youtube]

This product is available from all major retail outlets with beauty counters, as well as certain pharmacies and Edgars Red Square Stores.

Beauty, Beauty Products

Fab Finds Golds and Nudes

I thought I would share a few of my fab beauty finds for the week. I have heard to much about the new Revlon Photoready Eyeshadows, which include a primer to help give you seamless application and lasting wear. The palette I chose is called “Impressionist” a gorgeous combo of gold and sparkle. I have not tried it yet but I will be sure to share my review once I have!

In keeping with the gold theme I could not resist this Mavala Nail Polish shade, Lamé Gold, it is a subtle gold pearl shade with a hint of pink shimmer. Very pretty 🙂 The other Mavala shade, “Sapporo” is a great nude shade, reminiscent of a Cafe Latte.

The last fab find is an Essence Nail Polish Corrector Pencil. I have tried many different brands of corrector pens in the past and most I have found to be useless! This one by Essence really does work. It will live in my makeup bag, ready for nail polish application on the run! I have been known to apply nail polish in my car on many occasions 😉

If you are looking for other beauty product posts or reviews start here

Beauty, Beauty Products

Elizabeth Arden Radiance Blush Review

I recently received this Elizabeth Arden Blush, from the Beauty Bulletin to review. The timing could not have been better because I was really running low on my current blush! I have not used this product before so I was really keen to try it out and see what results I got.

I love using blush! I feel it gives your overall look that extra polish but in saying that, you must be careful not to over do blush, otherwise you could end up looking like a clown!

The Elizabeth Arden Blush that I received is from the Beautiful Colour Collection and the shade is Plum Perfection 03. This Radiance Blush, is colour-true and high-pigmented, to provide the ultimate definition, for a natural, radiant glow. It is also enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to help soothe and protect the skin.

Many people are afraid of using blush but the key things you need to remember are: everything in moderation and find a colour to suit your complexion! If you stick to these principles you will be left with a look that is natural and sculpted rather than over done and clown-like.

To apply blush successfully you also need the correct brush, so do yourself a favour and buy a proper blusher brush. I use a Kabuki brush, similar to the MAC one shown above. I find this type of blush brush works brilliantly for me but you need to find one that does the job for you.

I have put together a short video on how to apply blush, which also includes my thoughts on this product and a few other makeup tips. You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep up to date with future beauty reviews.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/bUwxRlky0sA[/youtube]

Disclaimer: I received the Elizabeth Arden Blush from the Beauty Bulletin to review but I was not paid for this post and all the opinions are my own.

Be Inspired, Beauty, Beauty Products, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

Obey Your Body Product Review

Last month I told you about the Obey Your Body Products which I received to review. Well it is just over a month since I started using them, which I feel it enough time to establish whether or not I like the products or more importantly if my skin likes the products!

The products that I am reviewing are mostly from the Age-Control Range. They are Decorin Age-Control Day Cream SPF15, Decorin Age-Control Night Cream, Decorin Age-Control Thermal Mask and Decorin Age-Control Radiance Serum. The Decorin Age-Control (DECO) Collection fights the naturally occurring effects of aging. This range is aimed at skin which is showing signs of aging and promises to create youthful and healthy looking skin – something at the age of 40 I am definitely looking to achieve!

The other two products I received to review are the Radiance Care Creamy Milk Cleanser and Radiance Care Clarifying Facial Toner, both a cleanser and a toner should be part of your daily skincare regime.

I must admit that I was rather sceptical about the Obey Your Body Products at first, after hearing mixed reviews about the products but I can confirm that I have nothing but positive feedback to give you – so here goes:

Decorin Age-Control Day Cream SPF15 ~ This is a definite winner! Even my hubby has been using it, he is somewhat of a metrosexual when it comes to using products and looking after his appearance but I have no complaints, at least he is looking after his skin. What I love most about this product, is that although it is very moisturising, it is lightweight and does not leave your skin feeling greasy. It also has the added benefit of containing an SPF15, which is perfect for me as I have pigmentation and need to use sunblock to prevent the pigmentation from becoming darker.

Decorin Age-Control Night Cream ~ I am all about trying to keep that youthful glow and feel that is very important to use a night cream! The younger you start the better but the most important thing is to find a night cream which suits your skin type. The Decorin Night Cream works overnight to nourish and firm stressed skin with the innovative collagen organizing tetrapeptide DecorinylÂ®. I found this cream especially beneficial after spending a few days up the West Coast, as my skin became incredibly dry after spending time in the salty sea water but after a few nights of using this cream it was soft and supple again.

Decorin Age-Control Thermal Mask ~ This mask is quick and easy to use and you do not need to leave it on your skin for longer than 3-5 minutes. Do not be alarmed however, as you will feel a rather unusual heating sensation after application, which indicates that the mask is active. You then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water. The Decorin Thermal Mask is recommended for use once weekly and I have taken to using if I know I have an evening out, as gives your skin a wonderful glow.

Decorin Age-Control Radiance Serum ~ This is probably my favourite product! I started using a serum in my daily routine well over a year ago and I can immediately feel the difference in my skin if I forget to apply it. I have tried quite a few but I must admit this is probably the best one I have tried thus far. I apply it to cleansed skin in the morning and evening, before my moisturiser. I find that it leaves my skin wonderfully silky and smooth!

The DECORIN Collection from ObeyYourBody® gives an immediate lift to tired and stressed skin. The range contains the innovative collagen organizing tetrapeptide Decorinyl®. The Decorin (DECO) range is enriched with powerful antioxidants and natural herbal complexes to help you create radiant, youthful and healthy looking skin. The products also provide long-term care that tightens, firms and prevents dry lines and wrinkles. ~ Obey Your Body

Radiance Care Creamy Milk Cleanser ~ I love using a creamy cleanser especially to remove my eye makeup and the Radiance Creamy Milk Cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It is also perfect for sensitive and problem skin, as it is very mild and gentle on the skin. It also has a wonderful fresh fragrance without being over perfumed.
Radiance Care Clarifying Facial Toner ~ I feel that a toner should also be a vital part of your daily beauty care but again it is important to find one that is suitable for your skin type. Some Toners can be very astringent and leave your skin feeling dry and taut. The Radiance Care Clarifying Facial Toner however is not one of those, much like the cleanser it is very gentle and helps to balance the skin’s natural protective pH, leaving your skin feeling radiant and healthy.

My overall experience with all the products has been very positive and I have noticed a wonderful renewed firmness and glow to my skin! I am also hoping to review the Pigmentation Cream, from Obey Your Body, as this condition is a major concern of mine.

To find out more about Obey Your Body Products visit their website by clicking here. You can also follow Obey Your Body on Twitter and Facebook.

Disclaimer: Obey Your Body has sponsored the above products for review purposes.

Beauty, Cape Town Lifestyle, Events, Lifestyle, Out & About

LUSH Gorilla Perfume

In the quiet seaside town of Poole, England, father and son team Mark and Simon Constantine work as a dynamic, creative force, inventing all new perfumes that defy scent expectations. Inspired by art, music, memories, people and stories, each perfume tells a tale and evokes emotion. Gorilla Perfume is an antidote to boring, mass-market scents, and a movement to get people excited about good quality fragrance. ~ LUSH

Recently I was treated to a exotic sensory evening hosted by LUSH SA to launch their new range of LUSH Gorilla Perfumes. I thought I would share a few of the photographs I took during our dramatic olfactory experience .

Hellstone ~ Heavy joboba and beeswax, anointing the skin with a sensual, warm undertone.

Sun – Vibrant, zesty orange, tangy tangerine and mimosa fizz recline atop sultry sandalwood for a true taste of the Sun. (This was my favourite!)

Sikkim Girls ~ The frangipani, jasmine, vanilla and tuberose conjure up exotic climes and heady possibilities.

Euphoria ~ Essential oils including clary sage, grapefruit, lime and neroli to make a scent that is light, clarifying and expanding.

Flowers Barrow ~ Ripe, bursting blackcurrant and sweet geranium are the tang of sea air and the wild plants that entwine against ancient stone in a leafy embrace.

A big thank you to Katie and the LUSH V&A crew for a wonderfully fun evening! If you would like to find out more about the Gorilla Perfumes I encourage you to pop in to the V&A Waterfront store and experience them for yourself!

If you would like to be kept up-to-date with all the Lush happenings you can follow them on FaceBook & Twitter.