First Impression/Review

Models Prefer Contour Collection

It seems to me like every company is coming out with a contour kit of sorts. I personally don't contour on the daily so an entire kit with shades that might not even be suited to my skin tone doesn't sound like something I would have the need in purchasing, yet here I am owning two. 

I recently saw in my local priceline that one of my favourite brands 'Models Prefer' had come out with a contour kit. I love MP, and if you've read my blog, watched my YouTube or know me in person, I'm always recommending their products. They're a great Australian brand and I can't get enough. 

The palette holds 6 individual products; 3 highlight shades and 3 contour shades. All are matte except for one of the highlight shades. This palette retails for $16.99AUD which I think is totally affordable. 

Packaging:

The box it comes in is white, but the palette itself is black. 

The front has all the necessary information. Its not too busy, easy to read and shows straight off the bat what is inside. The back of the box has additional information, and much like the blurb of a book it has all you need to determine wether or not you'll buy it. I like that it has some diagrams on highlighting and contouring for different face shapes. This is so important; I have seen other contour kits that have diagrams on 'How To' contour and highlight but this is the first one that I've seen that accommodates different face shapes. 

When opening the box, you're presented with the palette and an a booklet with all the information that was on the outside of the box (good, because I've probably already lost it) and a whole heap more about skin types, undertones, and some MP products that would compliment you specifically. I think that is a really great thing to include.

You can see here the palette itself and also the booklet. I can't get over how great the booklet is. Its so packed full of info. Its the little things like this that make me L O V E Models Prefer; that and their products are so great. 

Here is a little sneak peak at the booklet. I don't want to show page by page because thats not fair to the company. But you can see by just these pages how much information is in this and how much thought has gone in to the diagrams to ensure the optimal use of their product. 

The palette itself is made out of hard plastic and has quite a glossy look to it. (there is no pattern on the cover, it is just a reflection of my mirror) It reminds me of the MP 'Warm Smoky Colour Palette' (I've raved on and on about that palette in videos and previous posts). 

The front of the palette is clean and easy to read, nothing too busy at all and the back has the same information that is on the back of the box, and in the booklet so if you lose both of them you'll still have the 'how to contour and highlight' info for your face shape which again is AWESOME!

Moving inside the palette now. The product is powder.  A lot of companies are doing cream contour palettes etc but this is a powder product. The three highlight shades are on the top row, the first shade is a matte pink toned highlight, the second a matte yellow toned highlight (banana shade) and the third is a shimmery champagne colour. The bottom row holds the contour shades. I think there is good range of shades suited for warm/cool undertones along with some different skin shades as well. They might be a bit too dark for people on the very pale side of things but we'll see how I can go with it. 

One thing I also wanted to mention is the mirror. It is a perfection. It is solid enough that it can stand up without being propped up or held up by anything and it can also lay perfectly flat. Good job MP, I like the way you do things. With things like this you'd expect the price to go up, but it is still a really affordable palette!

Swatches

The swatches are quite rough and applied with my fingers on the back of my hand that has no base or primer. Factors such as these can alter results as the skin on your hands is different to that of your face, and also there is no foundation for it to adhere to. 

Firstly, just look how pretty that shimmer highlight shade is! You see a closeup of the product itself, they're quite decent sizes. The texture is quite smooth, I was expecting something a bit powdery or "gritty" almost but these feel like velvet. The shades on my skin look a bit intense but obviously we don't just chuck our hand in some product and slap it on our faces! We use bushes and blend! I think I'll be using the middle shade? Actually, I don't know, I'll have to trial and error that! I'll see what the booklet thinks I should use! 

This brings an end to my first impression/review of the 'Models Prefer Contour + Highlighting Palette'! If you see it in Priceline give it a look, I hope it can fill all your facial sculpting needs!

If you're interested in seeing a comparison of the Australis A/C On Tour Palette and this one, let me know in the comments! 

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Ciao! X

Priceline Haul!

40% off Cosmetics!

So Priceline are great in the fact that they have a lot of huge sales all year round. The last 40% off sale I took (major) advantage of was the 40% off all skincare - and let me tell you - no regrets were had. 

So when I found out about the 40% off ALL COSMETICS I couldn't not take advantage of it. So in the morning, I met my two good friends and favourite shopping babes in the city at 9:30am to get all the things! Here is what I got!

As you can see, there are quite a few things. I have no regrets on buying anything, and I picked up the brushes for an absolute steal! In this post I'll put in some swatches and first impressions too, along with the normal and sale prices. 

I'll start off with the brush set by Nude by Nature. The kit includes 7 brushes, a double barrel sharpener and comes in a nice zip up case with elastic brush holders. 

The brushes included in this kit are:

1. Kabuki Brush
2. Defining Blush / Powder Brush
3. Deluxe Eye Shader
4. Domed Eye Blending Brush
5. Concealer Brush
6. Dual Headed Eye Definer and Lip Brush (basically a fancy way of saying a double ended brush, one side is angled the other is for lips)
7. Precision Sharpener

Standard Price: $29.95 Sale Price: $17.97

SAVING: $11.98

There is no secret that I love the Models Prefer palettes. I have other posts on my blog here absolutely raving about them. So when I came across this little beauty, I couldn't resist. The one and ONLY bad thing I have to say about the MP palettes is: The matte shades just aren't up to scratch. The shimmer shades are fantastic! Such good pigmentation and colour pay off. But the mattes just aren't as good quality. Mattes are a hard thing to get right, and its not like they're useless, they just take some layering and some work to get them to be as good as they should be first off. 

This is the Warm Smokey / Brown Smokey palette.

Top Left: The mirror in this palette is amazing. Good size and quality, can definitely do a full face of makeup in this. 

Top right: The packaging on this is fantastic. The box it comes in shows you just what to expect and shows you ideas on how to use the palette in step by step instructions. The palette itself is sleek and made of a hard plastic, it feels like it could take a knock or two and is a good size for travelling. The lid as quite a good weight to it too. 

Bottom Left: The swatches - left column: There is a matte creamy/white shade, that on my skin just doesn't show up, it is poor quality but with some work and layering (I suggest using a primer) it will have more pay off - however in saying that, it does blend well with the other shimmer shades, so perhaps a test run of these eye looks are in order. The next shade down is a very pigmented cool toned gold, the colour pay off is excellent and it blends well. The last shade is a shimmer brown. Perfect for adding the smokey effect to the suggested look. 

Bottom Left: The swatches - Right column: Top colour is a shimmer peachy gold, very pretty and highly pigmented. The middle shade is a red/brown maroon/burgundy shade, how it is used in the suggested look is quite interesting and I'm very keen to do this look. The last shade on this side is a matte brown. It shows up on my hand well, but is still a bit chalky, however - it does blend well so experiments will have to be done. 

Bottom Right: Here I wanted to show the inside of the palette - the 6shades (and an eyeliner down the bottom - that I probably wouldn't use) and right next to the shade is the step by step of how to use the shades to accomplish the certain looks. I'm glad its included INSIDE the actual palette instead of just on the outside packaging. I hate it when you lose the packaging and then have no idea on how to do the looks. So GOOD ON YOU MODELS PREFER!

Standard Price: $10.00 Sale Price: $6.00

SAVING: $4.00

There is also no doubt that I love the Australis Velourlips range. I think I'm only a few away from completing the set. So when I saw these colours in Priceline, I thought 'WHY NOT?' Its coming up into the warmer months and these colours are perfect for spring!

Left to Right we have: HO-CHI-MIN

LUN-DUN

MI-A-MEE

The swatches on the side go down in the same order. 

Each colour is perfectly wearable on the daily. Get your hands on these bad boys. I love them and you should too!

(INDIVIDUAL / SINGLE PRICING)

Standard Price: $9.95 Sale Price: $5.97

SAVING: 3:98

I have never really gotten into the 'essence' brand. They're cheaply priced so I always assumed they were cheaply made and poor quality. I assumed they were aimed more at little girls who are first getting into makeup. This might be so, but lately I have been really liking coloured eye shadows, and have been drawn to this brand. These are two essence mini palettes each containing 6 shimmer shades. 

Left top and bottom: 'All About Candies' - beautiful pastel colours. Perfect for sprint

Right top and bottom: 'All about Nude' - gorgeous neutrals. Perfect for every day. I will definitely be doing some looks with these little gems. 

(INDIVIDUAL / PER PALETTE)

Standard Price: $7.15 Sale Price: $4.29

SAVING: $2.86

This product had my friends and I baffled! Obviously it is L'OREAL'S take on the liquid matte lip product that so many brands are doing (such as Australis - Velourlips) But the description of the product had us thrown. Its one of the 'Glam Matte' (everything good so far) 'Intense Matte Gloss' (I'm sorry, what?)

We were all confused on how you can have a 'matte gloss' but never the less once one was swatched - I fell in love. This is in the colour/shade 513 'zip it rouge'. Sarah and I each purchased this shade, we took a risk because there was no tester for this one. But we're both so happy we did. I definitely want more of these. (probably in all the shades because I have to complete the set) But as they're on the pricier side - I'll wait until there is a sale - or slowly buy them.  

Standard Price: $21.95 Sale Price: $13.17

SAVING: $8.78

I have really been getting more into nail art recently and for some reason I've been loving grey toned nails for sprint. Because in my opinion its the perfect colour to stand out against all the pastel pinks without being as harsh as a white. SO, I was on a mission (or so it would seem) I picked up 4 polishes all up. 3 grey tones and a base coat.

Left to Right:

'Bourjois Paris - laque glossy - shade: 05 - Taupe Modèle

'Bourjois Paris - laque glossy - shade: 03 - BCBeigé

'Sally Hansen - Xtreme wear - shade: 330 - Grey Area

'OPI' Natural Nail Base Coat.

I love Sally Hansen polishes, OPI is such a fantastic brand and I've used many Bourjois products before and I'm really excited to try out the polishes. 

Bourjois: Standard Price: $12.00 Sale Price: $7.20

SAVING: $4.80

Sally Hansen: Standard Price: $6.95 Sale Price: $4.17

SAVING: $2.78

OPI: Standard Price: $10.00 Sale Price: $6.00

SAVING: $4.00

I think this is the only reason why I needed to go into Priceline. I have been using this product ever since I can remember. 

I have quite dry skin so I can use a lot of cream products. This product is for 'oil and shine' control so I think it will be perfect for summer. In summer I don't like to use a lot of foundation so, I might change to a BB cream and use this too, then set with a translucent powder. But I'll save that for another post. 

This product is the 'MATTE UP Cream to Powder Foundation' in the shade 'Nude'.  I love australis products but I think they need to get a wider range of colours, even the nude (their lightest) is a bit too dark for me, but as its summer, I'll tend to tan. 

Standard Price: $14.95 Sale Price: $8.97

SAVING: $5.98

This is the other reason I needed to go in, I needed an eyebrow pencil. 

This is just a basic pencil, its not the ones I usually use but it does the job. This is by the brand Savvy. 

I got a dark brown one, because thats my natural colour - side note: Finding the right shade of eyebrow 'filler' is important. Eyebrows really stand out on the face and its good to know that you're using the right colour!

Standard Price: $3.00 Sale Price: $1.80

SAVING: $1.20

The last items on my list are these three blushes. I've really been on a mission lately to expand my blush collection and I've heard rather good things about these. I have sworn by savvy matte lip creams and some of their other products, I've always walked up to the display and swatched their blushes but they've always been out of stock. So when I saw some in stock, I knew I had to get some! Swatches: Left to Right:

'Silky Pink'

'Rose'

'Plum'

you can see how they show up on my hand. They're highly pigmented and I can't wait to start using them!

With a normal affordable price, I think I've just begun my new obsession!

(INDIVIDUAL / PER PRODUCT)

Standard Price: $4.99 Sale Price: $2.99

SAVING: $2.00

And there you have it! Here if you made it this far, thank you! You did a great job! Usually I wouldn't spend this much in one go, but because of the amazing sale, (I also had a $13.08 off 'coupon') I went for it.  The original price of all of this is $179.92AUD (NOW THAT IS A LOT) with the 40% off that brings the total to $107.95AUD. That is a saving of $71.97AUD and if you also minus the $13.08 from the total sale price $94.87AUD.

I paid $94.87 and got $179.92 worth of products. I am beyond amazed by this! 

Sale ends midnight on the 19th of November - There is still time to shop online!

Good Luck! 

Ciao! X

Review and Swatches!

Models Prefer: 'Nude' and 'Day to Night' Palettes.

A few posts down, you'll see the palette that started this obsession, that's the Models Prefer 'Party Glam' palette - I'm not sure if I said in that post that I'd go back and buy the other palettes in the 'range' but well, what do you know… I have, and now, I'm here to give you my 2c worth. 

Packaging: Obviously the packaging is the same as the other palette, its sleek and feels quite 'heavy duty' like these palettes could take a beating (or at least survive carry on luggage). Each of the palettes cost $10AUD and come with a double ended brush - that is quite good quality in my opinion. Much like the 'Urban Decay Naked Palettes'. I'm now just going to jump right into the swatches. 

Nude Palette:

This is palette has matte and shimmer shades. The matte shades take a bit of work but once you've worked them in a bit, they are lovely. The shimmer shades don't need much work at all. They've great pigmentation and colour payoff.

Swatches:

1. Bare: This matte colour almost doesn't show up against my white skin, but it does have pigment. It is a slightly cream white colour perfect for inner eye brightening. 
2. Naked: This isn't quite a shimmer or a matte so for shades like this I'm going to class them as a 'pearl' or 'satin' finish. Its a warm undertoned almost honey colour. 
3. Afterglow: A beautiful warm pinky shimmer shade. Beautiful over the whole lid. 
4. Flushed: Satin finish warm brown colour. Great for crease blending. 
5. Nude: Slightly cooler gold tone satin finish shade, almost an olive green/brown. 
6. Glow: An iridescent pearly white shade. Subtle yet pigmented. 
7. Taupe: A sliver/brown shimmer. Perfect for a brown smokey eye. 
8. Golden: This is my favourite colour in the palette. It has so much pigment and colour payoff and is a beautiful yellow gold. Perfect for all eye colours. 
9. Rich: More on the matte side of things, a good colour for the crease. 
10. Burnished: A matte brown. Good for matte smokey eye.
11. Hazel: Another matte brown, this is a good transition colour, good for blending. I blend this with a purple shimmer for a beautiful smokey eye look.
12. Cocoa: A matte chocolate brown. Warm undertones, good for blending. Takes a little bit of control to work with, but the finish is beautiful.

Day to Night Palette:

Also a mix of mattes and shimmers, let this palette be all you need to carry with you in you handbag in the office. This palette can take you from a simple fresh everyday eye look to a sultry smokey eye in a sneaky second. With a good sized mirror and a double ended brush - what more could you want!?

(Sorry for swatches: Too many colours not long enough arms - Its a daily struggle)

Swatches:

1. Deadline: A matte white (which again almost doesn't show up on my white, white skin) this colour needs a lot of work, and to be honest is probably my least favourite our of all three palettes, I hope you have more luck with it than I do. It is good for blending shades together. 
2. Voicemail: Is a more pigmented version with a better colour payoff of 'Deadline'. Good for inner third of the eyelid, and blending colours together. 
3. Overtime: A golden shimmer, beautiful for over the entire lid. 
4. Workaholic: A satin finish honey brown. Good for some neutral every day looks. 
5. Co Worker: A deeper olive version of 'Workaholic' these two would transition well into one another. 
6. Overachiever: This is a beautiful deep red/brown. Some gorgeous smokey eyes can be done with this colour.
7. Coffee Break: Blending this nice deep brown with 'Overachiever' would make a nice sultry look. With some flirty lashes, you're ready for that night out after work. 
8. After Hours: A nice matte chocolate brown, almost has purple undertones. Would be night to use with an angled brush to use as eyeliner for a softer subtle look, rather than harsh black winged liner. 
9. Hot Date: Another "let down" unfortunately. After some work it does have a nice colour, I recommend using primer with this. It is a matte so it does require more work. Give it a go. 
10. Happy Hour: This colour is a silvery lavender colour, perfect for a pop of shimmer to the middle of the lid. 
11. Down Time: Shimmery gunmetal blue grey, could make for some interesting looks. Maybe blended with 'Happy Hour'. 
12. Night Time: A matte charcoal black. Not as pigmented as some matte blacks on the market, but after a little bit of effort, it blends well for a nice smooth smokey look. 

These are my honest opinions and even though some colours are better quality than others, I still would recommend these palettes, the mattes are a bit 'hit and miss' but the shimmers are gorgeous. 12 shades and a double ended brush with the price tag of $10AUD. Why not?

Let me know if you have any of these palettes or have tried the Models Prefer range before. I love this brand and will be purchasing from them in the future. 

Ciao! X

Nail Art Tutorial

"Rocker Chic"

*Disclaimer - I am not a nail artist - don't get judgy*

Hey guys, I've been wanting to get into some cool nail art designs etc for a while now and about two maybe three weeks ago I ordered some stuff online so I'm currently waiting for that in the mail, but I saw this little kit on sale for $10.00 at Priceline. (not sure how much this one was originally) and I couldn't pass it up.People have asked me how I did it, one girl grabbed my hand when I was paying for something demanding answers, so.... Here is a step by step of what I did.

Clean nails.

Step One: Clean Nails.

I was already wearing nail polish so I just cleaned that right off, then I trimmed my talons to this super short state right here.

Nothing fancy, just basic.

The Product.

Step Two: The Product.

This is by the brand: MODELSPREFER. Its in their 'Beauty To Go' range. One thing I love about this is that in the top left corner on the box, there are some super cute nail designs there, just a little bit of inspiration if you need it.







It come with this tool as well, I didn't know this was included because as you can see it doesn't show it anywhere in the packaging, so this was a nice surprise. This is used for placing the studs on the nail. (Thats what I used it for anyway) Its a really handy tool for nail art in general, one end is slightly larger than the other, so it would be really good for 'dotting' nail polish and making little flowers - maybe I'll try that.

Three little bottles, to which I adore the packaging. The first is the colour, it has some shimmer/glitter to it, but it isn't chunky or bumpy or anything, it looks quite nice just on its own. If you can purchase it as it is the colour is called "Heavy Metal".

It also comes with a top coat, which is always very handy. FYI: These polishes dry very quickly which to me is a good thing because I'm so prone to smudging all my hard word, but I didn't do any of that with this product. The only mess that was made was by my own in ability to 'stay in the lines'. I always end up painting half my hand when applying nail polish, easier to clean it up later then to realise you've missed a spot. (my new motto)

The last little bottle is one full of the 'studs' It is such a cute little thing and there are SO many studs in there, I was scared of wastage, but honestly, don't be. I also did all of my nails with about 4 - 6 studs each, so to me, that's using a lot, I might just do a simple 1 stud design next time or just an accent nail. The options are endless.





Step Three: Painting the nail
Firstly paint all your nails with the desired colour. In this case it is the one included in the pack (next time I might use a nice deep red colour).




Step Four: Clear Coat 1
You're going to want to let the first coat dry, then coat each nail with a THIN coat of the top coat. Just to seal the first colour. Let that dry.

Then doing one nail at a time apply another clear coat to the nail,
roll one end of the tool into the clear polish (I used the larger end) use that to pick up the studs and then place it into the still wet clear coat on your nail. It might sound like a bit of an ordeal but it honestly takes about 3 seconds to put the studs in place and as you do more of it, it is so, so easy. You only need to coat the tool in the clear polish, perhaps, once every few nails? Until it no longer picks them up.

Using tool to press studs into clear coat.

Step Five: Apply to all

Told you I was messy, This is the un touched up just finished sticking them to my nails product. This is the design I chose to do. Once you have all the studs in place. Let them set - making sure not to bump/wiggle them (some of mine moved but I didn't mind so much, while the polish is still 'wet' you can move them back in place) Now that they're all dry, put on a coat or two of the clear top coat to seal it all in place and Voila! You're done. Just clean those bad boys up!

Finished Product! All cleaned up! I took this photo two days after originally doing the nails, none have flaked off, although I've had some near misses. Mainly when I run my hands through my hair, because the hair is thin enough (obviously) it can flick up the studs. So be careful. I might see if I can get my hands on some form of nail adhesive and give that a go.


I hope you found this easy to follow and you give it a go yourself!

**watch this space - youtube video tutorial coming soon**


Thanks!