BEST OF BEAUTY 2015

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to my blog! Confessions of a Make-Up Addict has been reformed into my beauty diary xo - a new fun project for me to work on and continue what I loved so much about COAMA. There was no huge reason to change my blogs name, seeing as I'm continuing in the same direction. But after last year, I feel like I am in a completely free and less stressed headspace, and I wanted the blog to reflect that, if only that it was just a name change.

I've missed blogging and writing all about beauty - and also missed all you guys! I hope we can continue our fun journey of being beauty addicts and discussing our love for it all together :)

Moving on - my first post of 2016 is all about my favourite products of 2015! After last years favourites, I really narrowed it down this year and kept it 90% products that I discovered last year, with only one rolling on from the previous year. I definitely enjoyed many more products during 2015, but I really want to keep this purely to the products that I felt deserved the spotlight over the year.

Let's get started! Keep reading to see what products I have looooooved this year!

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecters Pressed (Moonstone, Champagne Pop & Opal)

It goes without saying that 2015 was the year of highlighting, with strobing being all the rage. I definitely bought into this trend way more than it was necessary, but of all highlighters that I own, my Becca highlighters take the cake. I turn to them constantly, they go on beautifully and really just bring that extra somethin' somethin' to your face. The formula is incredibly creamy and silky, and I have never had an issue with chalkiness or chunky powder. 

I own three - Moonstone, Champagne Pop and Opal - and of all of them, Opal is definitely my favourite. Closely followed by Moonstone and Champagne Pop. Opal is a gorgeous beige tone shimmer, Moonstone is a very finely milled white (it's definitely more of a 'glow from within', rather than straight white highligter) and Champagne Pop is a peachy gold tone. I would definitely recommend any of them for any looking for a highlighter that will really bring that glow and luminosity for both day and night.

I brought mine here from Adore Beauty, and Champagne Pop from Sephora US. However, they are now all available from Sephora AU for $58AU (even Champagne Pop woo!)

Maybelline FitMe Dewy & Smooth, BareMinerals Complexion Rescue & Maybelline FitMe Concealer

Yes I know I don't have the packaging of Compleion Rescue - this is all I have left of it :( - but that should tell you just how much I loved it this year. How much I loved all three items this year! 

Maybelline FitMe Dewy & Smooth is 100% my HG drugstore foundation - it is incredible. The formula, the finish, the colour range, lasting power. I love every little single thing about it. I cannot say one bad thing about this foundation, and I highly recommend it for those with drier skin and for those after a luminous finish. 

The FitMe concealer has been a must have for covering any blemishes I've had throughout the year. It does have a little more coverage than the Age Rewind which is nice because it does help to really hide those pesky little spots without making it look cakey and obvious that I am trying to hide them.

The BareMinerals Complexion Rescue is definitely coming up on HG status for me too. I cannot imagine a makeup desk where I can't have this in my reach. It has sheer coverage, but it really helps neutralize my skin and even it out, as well as hydrate and keep it smooth and clear. This was my saving grace in the winter season, and I will be repurchasing once I'm completely out for sure.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara & Anastasia Beverly Hills Browiz in Soft Brown

Oooooh the Lash Sensational is absolutely incredible for a drugstore mascara! I am partial to a few drugstore brands for mascaras, though I haven't stuck it out with them for as long as I have with the Lash Sensational. It really helps fan out my lashes, while giving volume and separation and really all the good things you need in a mascara. My only qualm is that it does transfer quite easily, so I do wear a different mascara on my bottom lashes, but I'm not too fussed about that. Not going to stop me buying it again or anything ;)

And the only product to make it to this list from last year, the ABH Browiz in Soft Brown. I have only gone through two this past year, and I use it every single day for my brows. I won't drone on about it - you can click here to read what I love so much about it there :)

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Single in Morocco & Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soliel Bronzer

I never thought I'd like powder honestly. I have drier skin, that tends to look cakeier the more products that are loaded on it. 2015 was definitely the year where I learned to use less full coverage foundation, and instead for a more flawless complexion, use a light dusting of the Studio Fix powder over top. Again, I can't say enough good things - this powder truly takes my foundation to the next level. With a setting spray, it's even better. I carry this with me all the time and always use it for touch ups!

The ABH eyeshadow in Morocco - uuuugh its the perfect eyeshadow. I use it alllll the time. I use it to line on my lid and under my eyes, blow it out into the crease. It's just beautiful. It its a perfect warm toned red/brown, and it really brings out the honey tones in my own eyes.

And finally, the Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil Bronzer has been my go to bronzer especially when I am tanned. Again, it's very warm toned, almost with a red sunburnt undertone, but the formula of the Too Faced Chocolate Soleils are amongst my faves - they blend out so incredibly well and look very natural in my humble opinion. Not to mention they smell like chocolate - its really just a delight to smooth it out into my face.

And that's all I'll be mentioning today! Like I said, there are plenty more products that I really have loved and used all year, however these are the stars of the year if you will. Definitely the stand outs for 2015!

What were you favourites for the year? What are you excited to try in 2016?

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

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you're so overrated #1: mac pro longwear concealer

Hey guys!

Welcome to a newer series on my blog - You're so Overrated! In this series, I really want to go through the products that I have been convinced to buy by various beauty gurus on Youtube, or rave reviews by other trusted sources, that I just don't think are all that. Not to say that they are bad products AT ALL, just a little disappointing for me considering how many people have loved all over it.

First up for this series is, sadly, the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. I brought this be use everyone in the beauty world uses it and RAAAAAAVES about it. I was especially intrigued because it claims to be creaseless, and that is something I have an issue with every single concealer I used. So off I went and purchased this baby, which is NOT cheap in any sense of the word, and expected unicorns and glitter to appear once applying it on my face - needless to say, that was not the case.

I just want to reiterate that this is solely based on my experience with this product - and even then, its not a bad product at all. I just didn't think it lived up to its hype, and considering it worked so well for everyone else, I didn't see why it shouldn't be magical for me as well.

So why didn't I get on too well with this concealer in particular? The damn thing creases EVERYWHERE. In fact, its probably the concealer that creases the most out of all the ones in my collection. Maybe its because its too much coverage for my under eyes, or too thick compared to my Maybelline Age Rewind concealer, I'm not sure. But it just creases up a storm and really doesn't look good under my eyes at all. Another issue I have is the coverage, although I think this issue is personal preference. It's super duper high coverage, really I think it's way too much for me personally on an everyday basis. So I generally use it only if I'm going out somewhere, but I still don't like as much even then when compared to my drugstore concealers.

One more big issue is the packaging. You'd think for the price you are paying that MAC would give you a decent dispenser for this concealer. Nuh-uh honey. Because you only need the tiniest amount of this considering the coverage, you need the tiniest, teeniest amount of it possible to cover your under eyes and any other places you wish to conceal. But this pump literally has a mind of its own. Need just a tiny dot for concealing? Here, have a truckload! Because of this it makes it really easy to waste the product, because you can't exactly shove it back through the pump, and also to cake your under eyes with more than necessary, purely because you don't want to waste said product. But I digress.

Here's some shots of the concealer in action - please keep in mind that it is a shade lighter, as I generally get them light to easily highlight:

So, unfortunately, this product is (IMO) completely overrated. Out of all my concealers, my favourites are both my Maybelline Age Rewind and Fit Me concealers, and they are both a part of my everyday routine and also if I'm going out. If you are thinking about trying this concealer, I would definitely grab a sample if you can before making the commitment to buying it. As I said, it's not a bad concealer in the slightest - I will still use it and finish it up. It's just not for me, and didn't live up to the expectations that I had for it.

What are some products that you consider overrated?

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

foundation friday: mac face & body

Hey guys!

If you don't follow me on Instagram, you may not know that I am officially started a new series on my blog! At the start of each week, I give you guys three foundation choices, and the one with the most votes will be reviewed each Friday! As you may (or may not) know, I am a foundation junkie and have a pretty extensive collection that will probably keep growing. I ain't ashamed - some people collect eyeshadow palettes, or blush, or lip products; I just happen to have a thing for foundation.

So even though its now Saturday (oops), this weeks first ever Foundation Friday will be on the MAC Face and Body foundation, which actually happens to be one of my favourite foundations (as you can see, I actually own two bottles, one for when I'm pale and one for when I'm tanned). When researching this foundation before actually taking the plunge and purchasing it, I saw that this was created especially for those who work with models on catwalks and under hot lights, and as per the name, is suitable to be used on both your face and body to even skin tone.

This foundation is super liquidy and lightweight, and its also waterproof - the perfect summer foundation, if you ask me. It will last through any sweating or water splashing! Plus, because it has been created with those working in a specific industry, you know that it will survive under any heat whether it be artificial or the full on Australian sun.

In terms of coverage, this foundation doesn't exactly cover too much - I definitely wouldn't say that it is a medium or full coverage foundation on myself at least. It can maybe be built up to a light medium coverage, but not much past there. I have blended this out in the photo below, using my ugly sore as a guide to how much this covers:

As you can see, you can still see my veins and the redness of my sore peeking through (although keep in mind, primer and concealer would be used in a normal beauty routine, which can help to cover those a little better). I basically love to use this foundation when I'm tanned as almost a skin tint when I have easy days, or days where I know I need it to last through heat and sweating. But this foundation is an easy favourite, as even though it doesn't have much coverage, it never cakes on my face, is super easy to blend and it ALWAYS matches my tan exactly.

Like I said - the most perfect summer foundation ever, and I would definitely recommend trying it out if you are someone who prefers a lighter coverage or needs something that will last on your skin through basically anything. It is on the pricier side, but you barely need any of it to cover your face (the above photos was only a light squeeze) so it will last forever. It is also available in two sizes, 50mL and 120mL, and you can purchase whichever will suit your needs best!

You can buy the MAC Face and Body foundation at any MAC Counter, or here online for $49AU (50mL)

Hope you enjoyed this review! Remember to keep an eye out next Monday where you can vote for next weeks contenders!

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

mac lipstick dupes

Hey guys!

A couple of weeks back, I mentioned on my Instagram that I might have a couple of MAC lipstick dupes up my sleeve, and wondered if you wanted to see them. The response was an overwhelming yes! Which I wasn't surprised by - if someone told me that they had a few EXTREMELY close drugstore dupes for some of my favourite lipsticks ever that cost a bomb, I would for sure want to know.

I have a post here on my favourite MAC lipsticks here, if you'd like to read more on some of the colours I own. Honestly, from last count, I have 22 of them! I won't be writing a lot in this post - the swatches and colours will speak for themselves. Obviously they won't all be the exact same - the colour may be slightly off or the finish may be different, but these are all extremely close to the real deal IMO. 

Also, some photos are a little blurry/my lip swatches get a little sloppy. I'm sorry about that, but my lips were so sore by the end that I just wanted to get it on to show you and then take it straight off and take comfort in my favourite lip balm. But, I still believe that the colour is true in all of the photos - even if they are a little blurry.

Read on to see some great dupes and alternatives to some of your favourite MAC lipsticks!

Creme Cup VS Maybelline Colour Whisper in Lust for Blush

Creme Cup (left) & Lust for Blush (right)

MAC Creme Cup

Maybelline Lust for Blush

MAC Saint Germain VS Australis Mineral Inject Lipstick in Lick the Icing

MAC Saint Germain (left) & Australis Lick the Icing (right)

MAC Saint Germain

Australis Lick the Icing

MAC Syrup VS Maybelline Colour Elixir in Mauve Mystique

MAC Syrup (left) & Maybelline Mauve Mystique (right)

MAC Syrup

Maybelline Mauve Mystique

MAC Snob VS Maybelline Super Stay Lipstick in Perpetual Peony & Revlon Matte Lipstick in Pink Pout

MAC Snob (left), Maybelline Perpetual Peony (middle) & Revlon Pink Pout

MAC Snob

Maybelline Perpetual Peony

Revlon Pink Pout

MAC Betty Bright (LE) VS MUA Lip Boom in OMG

MAC Betty Bright (left) & MUA OMG (right)

MAC Betty Bright

MUA OMG

MAC Impassioned VS Revlon Matte Balm in Unapologetic

MAC Impassioned (left) & Revlon Unapologetic

MAC Impassioned

Revlon Unapologetic

MAC Viva Glam Nicki (LE) & Wet n' Wild Megalast Lipstick in Pinkerbell

MAC Viva Glam Nicki (left) & Wet n' Wild Pinkerbell

MAC Viva Glam Nicki

Wet n' Wild Pinkerbell

MAC Rebel VS Wet n' Wild Megalast Lipstick in Sugar Plum Fairy

MAC Rebel (left) & Wet n' Wild Sugar Plum Fairy (right)

MAC Rebel

Wet n' Wild Sugar Plum Fairy

And that's it! As I said, they may not be exact but hey - if you can get close without spending $36AU, that's a pretty good deal. I really hope you guys enjoyed this and found some dupes that you can go and use instead of breaking the bank!

Do you have any other MAC dupes you think I should find? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

my top five blushes

Hey guys!

 

I am a make-up addict. I have admitted this quite frequently throughout my blog. But there is one make-up product in particular that I am not so fond of. And that, my friends, is blush.

 

If I'm completely honest, blush scares me. It's a fine line. If you don't use it you look sickly. If you use too much it looks like you're off to the circus. It is so difficult to get it that in between stage where it just looks flushed, girly and pretty. And that intimidates me! Blush holds way too much power, seriously.
 

As someone who has naturally rosy cheeks, and who blushes too easily as it is, I think I have a right to be intimidated by blush. I can put on a colour and blend it out well so that my cheeks look all glowy and gorgeous in the right way. And later on that day, I will look in the mirror and my redness will have taken over, completely changing the colour of my blush and making me look a right fool. The majority of the time, I won't even put blush on. Who needs blush when you have an inbuilt blushing machine? I should probably be celebrating all the money this could potentially save me, but I'm not. I want to love blush and be all up in its blushy goodness. But right now, its a love-hate relationship. Think Katy Perry Hot n' Cold.

 

But, there are a few blushes that I adore. The exception to the rule. Not everyday, but on the occasions where I just want a teeny tiny pink flush that won't be disrupted by my horrendous red cheeks, these are the ones I go for.

 

top row (l-r): Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, Benefit Boxed Blush in Rockateur

bottom row (l-r): MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul, ELF Studio Blush in Tickled Pink, Face of Australia Blush in Nutmeg

The reason I love all of these blushes is either because they give a lovely radiant glow or because they aren't too pigmented but still give me a healthy appearance. This post wasn't like choosing my favourite lipsticks, or my favourite foundations. It is actually the easiest top five I have chosen thus far for my blog. Read on to see what I love about these blushes individually :)

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso: This is super raved about all through Youtube and beauty blogs alike, and let me tell you, they are not wrong. It is this beautiful natural peachy pink with gold shimmer, which doesn't translate to your cheeks. But there is this beautiful sheen, and I don't even bother wearing any highlighter with this. And it is a steal at $8USD. Milani isn't available in Australia, but I brought this from either Cherry Culture or Beauty Joint (can't remember which), and if you are an Australian looking for US drugstore brands not readily available here, I highly recommend going to either of those sites and buying this. You will not be disappointed.

 

MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul: This is another beautiful shade. In pan, I would describe it as a peachy-mauve hybrid, and I literally need to just touch my brush into the colour for it to show up on my skin. It gives this lovely, natural, flushed, healthy glow, and because its a mineralize blush, it goes on and blends so flawlessly. I do find that it can go wrong really quickly though, which is why I only just tap my brush once and then go back in again in the same fashion if its not enough. But I really feel that this is worth the money, especially for me because I barely need any. I did buy this in the US for $27.50USD, but in Australia it retails for $43AU. I would purchase again, if I ran out. That's a big if but, I really don't see that happening in the near future.

 

Benefits Boxed Blush in Rockateur: This is one of Benefit's newer releases, and probably my most coveted blush. It is this beautiful rose-gold colour, and it literally goes with everything! I wouldn't say it was too pigmented straight away, but obviously that's something that I like. It smells heavenly too, sort of like my Nana, but not in a bad way. This is the only Benefit blush I own, but I swear this was the best purchase that I could have made! Maybe one day I'll buy more.. And I would 100% repurchase. Again, I did buy this in the US for $28USD, and it retails in Australia for $51AU.

 

ELF Studio Blush in Tickled Pink: My next most used blush. This is the perfect pink colour. Its not mauve, its not peach and its not Barbie pink either. It is just pink, and that's all there really is to it. Again, it isn't hugely pigmented and I just use a tiny bit on the apples of my cheeks and blend it into my bronzer, which is really enough I feel. I brought this off Beauty Joint for $3.99USD, and ELF has recently been added to Kmart (!) but I'm not sure for how much it retails for

 

Face of Australia Blush in Nutmeg: This is one of the first blushes I ever purchased! It's again a lovely pink, with a little shimmer in the pan, but I don't find it to be noticeable on the skin. I feel that this goes perfectly with a smokey eye. Just like Luminoso and Warm Soul, it just gives a lovely healthy colour, but subtle at the same time. As far as I know, this is only available in Australia for around $9.45AU.

 

Heavy swatches of the blushes in natural light (l-r): Milani Luminoso, MAC Warm Soul, Benefit Rockateur, ELF Tickled Pink, Face of Australia Nutmeg 

Swatches of the blushes with flash, same order as above :)

 

The swatches all look the same on my arm, but in person they do all look different. But you can tell the type of colour I like to wear.

 

As I said, blush is intimidating. It can make or break your make-up look, which is why it scares me. Maybe one day I'll be able to see all the good that blush does, and fall absolutely in need with it. But for right now, I'm happy switching these ones in and out. I do own more, but these are obviously the ones I go to and use the most often.

 

I hope this was helpful! If you are someone like me, who blushes like they've been running a marathon, maybe you'll find one of these blushes will work for you! If you have any others you think I should be trialling, please leave it below in the comments :)

 

xxxx