First Impressions: L'oreal Paris Nude Magique Cushion Foundation

Cushion Foundations seem to be popping up everywhere at the moment! So you can imagine my excitement when BeautyHeaven sent me the Loreal Nude Magique Cushion foundation to try out. It claims to be a weightless foundation that provides build able coverage, with a antimicrobial applicator and convenient 'to go' compact'. 

On first impressions I have to say I absolutely love the adorable packaging, the muted pink metallic container would look lovely in anyones beauty desk or handbag. I selected the shade 01 Porcelain as I'm naturally quite fair and usually the lightest shade available works for me, don't quote me but there only seems to be six shades currently available in Australia, although there appears to be twelve shade options over seas. The liquid is soaked into the sponge inside and the nifty packaging means that you can seal after every use making it handy for travel. The compact only holds 14.6 grams of product which is not much compared to the standard 30ml foundation and considering the $29.95 price tag. 

I used the sponge provided to apply the product in tapping options all over my face. I noticed that the shape of the sponge made it difficult to get into areas such as the nose crease but overall it blended and applied the foundation nicely. Even though they claim the sponge helps prevents bacteria, I just couldn't bring myself to keep the sponge after use and threw it out. I feel a beauty blender would be the best option for applying this foundation, although the supplied sponge would definitely be handy for those who like to touch up their makeup while out. 

L-R: No foundation, One Layer, Two Layers

The coverage after two layers was medium and it provided a nice dewy glow, personally I would still apply concealer to dark circles and any spots but this is definitely a foundation for someone who loves a more natural look. I have fairly normal skin with the occasional oily T- zone and think this foundation works beautifully for me. If I were to head out for the day I would definitely powder, but this foundation does look it's best left dewy and un set in my opinion. If you have dry skin I feel like this foundation would look and feel amazing on you. 

Overall I have to say that this is a very nice natural foundation that lives up to the claims. Personally I couldn't justify the price for the amount of product but this Is super handy and convenient for on the go. If you're after a dewy natural look I would definitely check out the L'oreal Paris Nude Magique Cushion Foundation. Thank you for stopping by my blog and I hope you're having a lovely day!

Monique xx

February Empties

A few staples and a few new items are in this months empties. I also had a mini clean out and got rid of some old makeup which Is a big step for me as I love using products up until they're empty, but sometimes Its just time for them to go. Here's what I used up this month;

1. Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Conditioning treatment: This came in the most recent Priceline hair goody bag and I have to say I loved it! It left my hair feeling the same as when I use my favourite treatment from the hairdresser. Also I got about 3 uses from the one sachet which Is impressive considering how long my hair is. It's also super Inexpensive so I give this one 2 thumbs up.

2. Schwarzkopf Blonde Toner: I feel like this product should be excluded from future empties posts as I feel like it's in every single one haha, and I just stocked up on another 4 bottles during the Priceline hair goody bag promo. It's a great inexpensive toner so I will continue to keep on repurchasing.

3. Feel Like Honey & Moon Skin base: I tested out this primer a couple of times and it was definitely interesting, had a weird jelly/honey texture and had little gold specks in it that made my skin look dewy. I'm not sure if I like it or not.

4. Jordan Eye Primer: Back in its early days this was a fantastic eye shadow primer especially for eyelids that tend to get oily like mine. Sadly its seen it's day and it's time to hit the bin.

5. Loreal 6 Hour Glam Shine Lipgloss: Me and this lipgloss go way back, in fact it was the first EVER red lip product I purchased, which soon sent me into a red lip wearing frenzy. Back before I knew how much I disliked red lipgloss. It's kind of sad to throw it out but I cringe thinking of what possible bacteria could be in there.

6. Daiso Makeup Brush Cleanser: I went into Daiso one day to pick up the famous gel brush cleanser everyone raves about but turns out it was sold out so I picked up the new alternative version to test out instead. It's a very runny cleanser that almost looks like water, and surprisingly I found it cleaned my brushes very well. Although it did have a strange strong scent that some may find unpleasing. I find baby shampoo more cost effective though so I think I'll be sticking to that to clean my makeup brushes.

7. Swispers Makeup Pads: These were a nice change up from the usual $2 kmart pads I purchase, and I have to say they were such good quality. I still can't justify spending more on little pads I use to apply toner and remove nail polish so I think Ill be sticking to the Kmart ones.

8. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder: I have gone through a few of these powders in the past as they are a great everyday setting powder. I sometimes get an oily T- zone and this powder helps prolong that happening.

9. Nip & Fab Dragons Blood Serum/ Skin Moisturiser/ Avon Anew Moisturiser: I got through some more moisturiser samples this month and I would have to say the Sukin was my favourite, purely because I know I'm not putting any nasties on my skin!

Hopefully I will have some more empties next month, especially hair care products as I just have so many! I hope you're having a lovely day and thank you for stopping by my blog.

Monique xx

January Empties

I have been slack updating my blog recently, going through some stressful times combined with a bad head cold meant that blogging wasn't a priority but I am keen to get back into it! I didn't get through as many products I would've liked last month but here they are none the less;

1. Lapurete mild creme face cleanser: This is a natural and very gentle face cleanser that was creamy and soft on the skin. It was a little too gentle for me so I used it as a 'pre wash' to help remove any makeup still on my face.

2. PureTan pure bronze rapid tan: This tan is supposed to give you a deep tan after only one hour of developing. The first time I tried it out I applied the product only to my stomach, it looks instantly dark and intimidating when you apply it so I was definitely hesitant as I am very fair. I applied my regularly used tan to the rest of my body and let it develop over night rather than just one hour. I woke up and after rinsing the pure bronze was a nice natural tan on my stomach. So I decided to test the 1 hour claim and had enough product left in the sample to cover my whole body, after rinsing despite the initial product looking very dark and scary I was actual left with nice natural tanned skin. The product also fades nicely and doesn't smell unpleasant so I would definitely pick a full size of this up!

3. Frangipani & Vanilla Hand soap: I was out of hand soap at home so I picked up the first one I could find, this one was from kmart and was on clearance for 25 cents, probably should have picked up a few more as it smelt really nice! The packaging isn't really my style but for 25 cents I definitely didn't mind using it as a refill for my ceramic dispensers.

4. Benefit They're Real mascara: A cult favourite, this mascara is lovey the first few weeks its open but for me It dried out very fast. If you want to splurge its nice but I personally don't think its worth the price tag.

5. Nip & Fab exfoliator face pads: I really enjoyed using these pre soaked pads before bed. They made my skin feel refreshed and were super convenient. I really recommend these.

6. Aveda thickening conditioner: Another product that didn't live up to the price tag for me. I absolutely loved that its made from natural ingredients but If I'm going to spend $50 on a thickening conditioner I'm going to expect it to thicken my hair. It smelt lovely and made my hair soft but yeah, I'm on the fence about this one.

7. Kevin Murphy anti gravity: This sample came with an Adore beauty order and I was excited to try it as I'm always trying to add volume to my hair. I was able to use the sample once before the product went all weird in the sachet. Kinda bummed as I really didn't get a good judgement out of once use. Smelt nice though!

8. Kmart makeup remover pads: These have been in so many of my empties posts, they are super inexpensive and I use them a lot to apply toner and remove nail polish, I will continue to purchase them.

9. Random loofah and rectangle beauty sponges: Sponges are just handy to have in your makeup collection and I finally used up this 20 pack that I have had for a few years. I also decided it was time to retire a loofah and replace it as you do every so often. 

That's all my January empties, hope February is being kind to you all!

Monique xx

December Empties

My last empties for 2015! It's so satisfying going through all my empties posts from the year to see how many products I got through, and I plan to try and use up a lot more in 2016! Here are my empties for December;

1. Carry On Facial Cleansing Wipes: These face wipes were very thin and too wet, I wouldn't recommend them for travelling or anything at all for that matter. 

2. Target Facial Wipes: I really like these wipes as they remove my makeup effectively and don't irritate my skin. This month I decided to try out the Kmart brand for comparison and don't think Ill be picking up these ones again for a while.

3. Colgate Max White One Toothpaste: I don't generally include toothpaste in my empties posts although I do like to review ones that claim to be whitening. I didn't notice much In a difference whilst using this toothpaste, although I think it did prevent staining from coffee.

4. Hi Lift Blue Powder Bleach: After getting into using powder bleach and developer I will never go back to buying box dyes. I save so much money and can get so many applications out of one container. If anyone wants a more in depth post on how I bleach my hair please let me know and I can do one for you.

5. LA Girl Pro Conceal: I'm sorry but I don't really understand the hype based around this concealer. It's nice for everyday and blends well but for me personally it is no where as good as Mac Pro Long wear as most people claim. This concealer creases under my eyes and the brush tip applicator grossed me out.

6. LA Colours Pressed Powder: This was a very inexpensive powder that set my foundation nicely. I didn't have any issues with it besides the lid breaking off after a few uses.

7. Revlon Nail Files: I did my own acrylics a few weeks back and absolutely destroyed these two Revlon nail files and a random one in the process. They were all brand new so I'm surprised they didn't last very long. I think I should invest in an electronic nail filer. 

8. Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara: This was a very average mascara and it didn't wow me at all. Was alright for work and day to day tasks. 

9. Schwarzkopf Miracle Oil and 3 Step Ultimate Repair System: I was actually impressed with all of these products, my hair felt lovely after the deep treatment and the hair oil smelt amazing. If I can ever get through the huge stash of hair stuff I have I will definitely take another look at the full sized products.

10.  Neutrogena Grapefruit Face wash: I really enjoyed using this face wash, It smells fresh and left my face feeling super clean.

The other samples I got through I didn't enjoy at all, the palmers skin therapy oil despite smelling lovely was just too oily for me (and I've tried a lot of oils) and the body wash and cleansing gel were both too boring for my liking. But anyway thats all the products I got through in December. I want to personally thank all my readers for the support since starting up my blog, I truly appreciate it and look forward to more content in 2016!

Monique xx

FOTD: New Years Eve

Happy new years everybody! I had a great new years eve spent with my closest friends and had fun doing a glam makeup look for the occasion. Here are the products I used to achieve this blue smokey eye and nude lip;

• Benefit Porefessional primer
• Mac Skin Refined Zone
• Estee Lauder Double Wear in 2n1 Desert Beige
• Mac Prolong wear concealer in Nc15
• Nyx Studio finishing powder
• Lorac Behind the Scenes eye primer
• Lorac Pro 2 Palette
• Nyx Frosted Ocean shadow
• Nars Shadow duo in China Seas
• Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume mascara
• Illamasqua blush in Dulcet
• Mac Mineralised Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle
• Elf Studio Lip Liner in natural
• Mac lipstick in Myth
• Glam by Manicare Madonna lashes

I had a blonde moment and left my trusty favourite $1 liquid liner and Hoola bronzer out of the photo! But thats all the products I used to achieve this dramatic look for new years eve. I hope you are all enjoying the new year so far and thank you so much for stopping by my blog!

Monique xx

2015 Christmas Beauty Haul

I had so much fun sharing the beauty goodies I recieved last Christmas so I decided to do it again this year! I feel so fortunate to receive any presents and the last thing I want is for this post to come off as selfish or bragging, so with that being said lets get into the goodies!

About a week before Christmas my besties and I exchanged Christmas gifts, and I excitedly received the Stila Eternal Love liquid lipstick trio which contains a red, dark nude and plum, Mac Lipliner in Brick and Illamasqua blush in Dulcet. All I can say is my best friends know me too well and I have been using all the products like crazy. My sister gifted me the Chi Chi Spices palette, it has wonderful pigmentation and all the colours are beautiful- I have been getting good use out of that too! And Lastly for lip products my partner gifted me the Jefree Star Liquid Lipstick in Redrum. It's such a beautiful red that I wore Christmas day, the formula is fantastic too. 

I joined in two games of Santa Grab over the festive season and funnily enough I received Lush for both, but I'm not complaining! The Butterfly set contains a Ro's Argan oil body conditioner and a Sultana of soap both of which I can not wait to try. I also received a Magic wand which smells so sweet and delicious, unfortunately I don't have a bath but I'll save this one for a night away! 

Now I may or may not have picked out my gifts from the boyf this Christmas but when you reallllly want something it's hard not too! Black Opium by ysl has been on my wish list for so long and when the Christmas gift sets came out I was so excited. The 30ml set came with a free travel sized ysl eyeliner and mascara, the box is too beautiful to throw out too. Another item which has been high on my wish list for quite some time is the Glam glow Youth Mud. I finally got to test it out Christmas day and loved the way it made my skin felt, I can't wait to test it out some more. And being the lash addict I am I was so glad to find the Glam eyes two pack of Gwen lashes in my stocking, they're so full and pretty!

My Mum picked out a beautiful Akin Body moisturiser and hand cream for me this year, turns out she purchased them for my sister and I during the Priceline skincare goody bag sale, so she split up the extra products between us for Christmas which was so nice of her. I received the Australis One night tan, Modelco tan exfoliating wipes, Physiogel daily moisture therapy cream, Swisse Micellar water, original chapstick and the Nip and Fab exfoliation pads, so many new goodies to try! 

And last but certainly not least, I entered Hailey's amazing Christmas giveaway this year and to my surprise I won the Too Faced Le Grand Chateau! The packaging is too die for, and it contains three palettes and a travel size Better than sex mascara, I seriously jumped around the room like a loony person when I found out. Hailey's blog rocks so if you haven't already checked it out you need to asap!

That's all the amazing beauty goodies I received for Christmas this year! I feel like it would also be possible to do a haul post on all the cat items I received this year, I received that many! But I won't become that much of a crazy cat lady and stick to beauty. I hope you all had a really lovely Christmas!

Monique xx

November Empties

December is here! This year seemed to go by so quickly and I can't believe we're so close to Christmas! I wish I had used up more products this year as my beauty stash continues to grow and I'm sure I will be fortunate to receive some goodies for Christmas and my birthday early January, but I still got through a good chunk of products in november and here they are;

1 & 2. Normal Skin Face wipes/Gentle Cleansing Wipes: I'm always testing out inexpensive makeup wipes and I couldn't notice a difference between these two. They removed my makeup nicely, struggled a bit with mascara but overall they did the job.

3. Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Sheet Mask: My skin feels refreshed after using these masks although I wouldn't say they are 'moisture boosting' for my skin, I think these would work better on dry skin types.

4. Nivea Stay Clear Toner: I actually really enjoyed using this toner before putting on my makeup just to cleanse the skin and remove any excess oils/dirt. Now that I've used it up I keep going to use it only to realise I'm out, time to pick up another bottle!

5. Nivea All In 1 Face Scrub: Ignored the 3 in 1 aspect and just used this product as a face scrub. I quite enjoyed it as it had a cooling effect on my skin, as you can see I cut the tube in half to get all the product out so It must've been decent!

6. Mitchum Powder Fresh Roll On Deodorant: Holy grail deodorant, so good for the hotter months and never fails to keep me smelling fresh.

7. Random Ass body Scrub: Random, didn't work well, bleh.

8. Stella Honeyed Milk Candle: I used up my first ever candle! Yay! I received this last Christmas and it had a subtle sweet smell, I enjoyed burning it in the bathroom.

9. Clear Scalp and Hair Shampoo: A pretty average shampoo, It did foam up nicely and clean my hair as you would expect.

10. Schwarzkopf Blonde Toner: I have gone through so many bottles of this stuff that surely it must be boring to see in my empties posts by now, its works great so I'll continue to repurchase.

11. Cedel Dry Shampoo: This doesn't really compare to Batiste, sorry.

12. Lash Control Clear Gel: This served me well for my brows for quite some time so It was definitely time to throw out.

13. Urban Decay Primer Potion: Another product that was due to hit the bin, a great everyday eyeshadow primer.

14. Glo Minerals Pressed Powder Foundation: This was such a great mineral foundation, being pressed it was super easy to apply and It provided a really nice coverage. I would spot conceal and then apply this all over the face daily for work.

15. Too Faced Shadow Insurance & Powder Sample: The shadow insurance is a great eye primer very similar in formula to the urban decay primer potion. It was strange using the powder sample but it was pretty average and unfortunately too dark for my skin tone, I have another one that I plan to use after fake tanning. 

Thats it for my november empties! I hope you're having a great December so far and thank you for stopping by.

Monique xx