ELF Review

Today I am bringing to you a one brand review. This is an E.L.F. review. If you don't know what E.L.F. is, it's a cheap as chips makeup brand. The acronym is eyes, lips, face. They are a super affordable brand and can be purchased online at eyeslipsface.com as well as sites like beautybay and beautyjoint. If you don't like shopping online, like myself, you can also purchase it from Kmart.

I'm just going to start this off by saying that this is a glowing review. So if you can't be bothered reading this whole review, just  know that you can go wrong with E.L.F. Also, if you can't be bothered reading this, I have a video review of these products coming out on Monday so keep a look out for that.

First things first, let's start with the face powders. I have two. I have the Clarifying pressed powder on Ivory and the High Definition powder in Shimmer. 

I used the Clarifying pressed powder when my acne was really bad. It contains salicylic acid so it's really good and covering and treating acne at the same time. I loved this powder. It definitely helped soothe my acne down as well as setting my powder, helping it last all day. The HD powder is also awesome. It didn't set my powder as matte as the Clarifying powder. The shimmer in the powder is great if you take a lot of photos, as it helps blurs 'imperfections' and blemishes. 

Next is the eyebrow kit, undereye setting powder and cream eyeliner. The eyebrow kit is awesome. You would've heard everyone raving about this if you watch a lot of beauty gurus on youtube or read a lot on blogger or wordpress. The hype is real. It's amazing. Mine is in ash and it matches perfectly. The underage setting powder is an almost exact miniature copy of the HD powder except not as pink, and way more shimmer-y in my opinion. I noticed a huge difference in how my concealer lasted. It didn't feel as tacky, as well as my mascara didn't smudge down under my lower lash line like it used too. It also helps brighten up my underage circles a bit too. The cream eyeliner is the only product I have an issue with. I think this is due to my eye shape. I have hooded eyes, so whenever I applied this it just transferred to the top of my lid. I tried setting it with translucent powder, and I even tried using a black eyeshadow but it still smudged. It also doesn't matter how long I leave it to set, it will still smudge. If any one has any tips on how to get past this, please let me know on here, Facebook or youtube. 

Last but not least, we have the shimmering facial whip in lilac petal, blush in pink passion and the makeup setting spray. The shimmering facial whip is quite good. Not as highlight-y as I would have preferred, but it does the job nicely. It gives a subtle sheen, that's a light pink, champagne colour. I use it on my cheekbones and on my inner corner just to brighten things up a bit. It is also a little bit thick for my liking, but like I said, it does the job. The blush is amazing! I also really want to try their blushes in the other shades that they have too. It's super pigmented and easy to blend out. My favourite out of all these products is the makeup setting spray, which is why I saved it till last. I spray this after my moisturiser, but before I put foundation on and then again when I finish my entire face. This makes my makeup last all day, without a single thing budging. I love it so much that I now feel weird when I forget to put it on before I leave. 

E.L.F. definitely gets a 10/10 from me. Not only is it super cheap, but it's also really good quality. Also, an added bonus is that they don't test on animals. Feel free to recommend any E.L.F products that weren't mentioned above. 

Don't forget to follow me on twitter and instagram, like me on Facebook and subscribe on youtube!

All links are in the about me sections (:

Shannen xx

Photos taken on a Canon 600D

18-55mm lens used

Don't forget to keep an eye out for the upcoming video on Monday (:

How To: Depot Jumbo Eye Pencils

I had a Collection eyeshadow pencil laying around that needed sharpening but I don't own a jumbo pencil sharpener. So, in order to remedy this, I did some research on how to depot jumbo eyeshadow pencils. This method works for any eyeshadow pencil, be it NYX, Collection or whatever. All you need is a small pot to depot it into, a mug, a microwave and the eyeshadow(s) you are depotting.

I used an empty ELF undereye Setting Powder pot. This turned out to be the perfect size. So you just need something about that size. They are 1.2grams or .04oz.

With the Collection pencils specifically, you need to remove both the cap and the end of the pencil, in this case its the black bit at the end of the pencil. This opens the pencil up making it easier to melt down. 

Once you've done that, the next step is to break the point off in the chosen container and then stand the pencil up using the broken shadow as stand. 

You then put the whole thing into a mug. This just protects the microwave from any spatter as well as helps keeps the pencil standing up. It also helps because you can just grab the mug and pull it out instead of grappling a small container.

Once you've got it in the mug, put it in the microwave and cook (melt) it for 1 minute intervals, checking each time, until it's completely melted into a liquid. At this point you can take it out of the microwave. I recommend pulling the pencil out, but leaving the container in the mug as the mug will be very hot.  I left my container in the mug until it had pretty much cooled down completely. It was still slightly warm to the touch, but nothing to worry about.

While it was cooling down, I grabbed some nail polish remover and wiped the label off the lid so it was just all black. I made a label on the bottom so I don't forget the brand or colour of the eye shadow.

I find it's much easier to use this way, as well as more pigmented. I'll probably do this for every shadow pencil I buy as long as I have an empty container to depot them into. And then I also don't waste product when I sharpen the pencil.

There is an alternative method to this. Instead of using a microwave, just melt it down with a hair dryer. Point the hair dryer down the pencil, so the heat is blowing into the shaft of the pencil. This method does take longer, but it might be less dangerous as the only hot thing you'll be holding is the hair dryer.

I used Collection's eyeshadow pencil in Vanilla Sky.

Shannen xx

Photos taken on a Canon 600D

18-55mm lens used 

How To Get Curls That Stay: A Modern Interpretation of Pin Curls

Left: Curls pinned and cooling, Middle: Curls out and brushed, Right: Back view of curls

If you guys have hair that struggles to curl, or hold its curl then this tutorial is for you. This can also helps girls with shorter hair too.
When my hair was longer, it held curls amazingly. So well in fact, I didn't need hairspray and they held for a couple of days. Now that my hair is almost shoulder length, they don't stay if I curl my hair like I used to.

I have seen this method a lot on The Cherry Dollface's YouTube account, as it's a curling method she uses a lot called "pin-curls". Named so because once you curl the hair, you pin it with a bobby pin to retain the shape until the hair has completely cooled down.

I think this style of curl looks great on shorter hair. I also know it looks amazing on longer hair too.

There are two methods you can use when curling your hair in this fashion. One is with a clipless curling wand and the other is with a curling wand that has a clip.

In this tutorial I'm using a curling wand with a clip, but I'm not using the clip. If you want to see how it's done with a clip, let me know and I will film another tutorial to go along with this one.

Now to do this, you need a curling wand, heat protectant, a brush, hair spray, and tons of bobby pins.

I find leaving the pins in as long as possible helps the curls last longer, so I recommend doing this first, before doing your makeup, but do get dressed first in case you accidentally pull the pins out while trying to get a top on.

Curl the piece of hair as you normally would, then drop the curl in your hand.

Pin the curl in place so it retains its shape.

Repeat this all over your head, hair spraying every couple of curls.

Once you've finished, hair spray lightly all over your head.

Continue on your routine, taking the pins out just before you leave, and then run your fingers through the curls to break them apart.

Here's the video I filmed to go along with this, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WosgLQvO1BQ&spfreload=10 , hopefully this helps explain it a bit better.

Talk to you guys later xx
Shannen
Photos taken on a Canon 600D
18-55mm lens used
Photos edited on fotor.com

Review: Formula 10.0.6 Facial Mask - Deep Down Detox

I love this brand and the face masks and other products I've tried. So this is already off to a good start.

Directly from their website, their little blurb about this mask is: This super-cleansing team of ingredients Orange, Bergamot and Sea Salt work together to detoxify and banish impurities. For a clearer, brighter complexion - book your skin in for a Deep Down Detox today... and every other day!" (http://www.formula1006.com/deep_down_detox.php)

The orange in the mask is the biggest ingredient. Oranges and vitamin c are good for hydrating and brightening the skin. 

I've tried this face mask once before. And I loved it. But this time around? Not so much. 

This is only due to the fact that my skin seems to have changed from when I first tried this mask. The mask felt amazing the whole time it was on my face, until I washed it off.  I seemed to have an allergic reaction or something. That's why there won't be any photos of mah face today. 

While the mask was setting or whatever it's called, there was no tingling or itching or burning. It was only after I washed it off that my face went so red and burnt looking, like I'd been stuck in a desert for months. It was very hot to the touch, even kind of radiating heat like a sun burn. 

I was quite disappointed by this because their other mask (Pores Be Pure) didn't have any effect on my skin. The redness did go away after a few hours and there was no more reactions to be had. 

I still give this product a 4/5 stars just because it is a great brand and they have amazing products. It just doesn't get all 5 stars because of my weird reaction. 

I threw this product away before I got a photo of it, but the picture is just sourced from Google. 

All of Formula 10.0.6 products can be bought at Farmers. They're quite affordable too which is excellent. 

Shannen xx

Lush Cupcake Face Mask Review

I love Lush products, all of them. I am yet to come across a product that doesn't smell amazing or not do the job it's supposed to do. 

I've just recently acquired a sample of the Cupcake face mask. It smells amazing.

On the label it says "Chocolate heaven for oily and teenage skin. Removes excess oil and calms breakouts."

Now as you all probably know by now, I've had some long term issues with acne. It's the one thing I can't stand about my body, and I wished my silly hormones would sort their stuff out. I am nearly 20 for crying out loud, I should no longer be dealing with these teenage problems. 

This is why I though I would try a face mask that might help sort this problem out. It is aimed for people with oily skin or who have to deal with face demons. According to the Lush catalogue, it softens, tones and cleanses with its main ingredients being a linseed infusion, fresh mint and rhassoul mud.

Now, I've only used this sample twice, so I don't know if its helped with my acne or not by calming my breakouts. I don't have oily skin so I know that side of the face mask has little effect on me. But what I do know is that this stuff smells amazing and makes my skin super soft. It also makes my skin feel really clean.

I know it looks kinda gross, but it has cocoa powder in it to make it look and smell like you're smooshing chocolate all over your face. I think it also goes with the name of the mask. The Cupcake mask is also Vegan friendly, which means no animal by-products have been used in the production of the mask.

If you're not a fan of chocolate or something in this mask doesn't agree with you, you could try Cosmetic Warrior, which Lush says "Garlic and tea tree oil work together naturally to keep troublesome spots at bay."

Lush face masks are $18.90 and you get 75g.

My sample was a spoonful and I've still got one or two masks to go, so a little goes a long way.

Especially for something completely natural, so you know you're not putting any damaging chemicals on your face.

I highly recommend Lush products.

Shannen xx

Photos taken on a Canon 600D

18-55mm lens used

Photos edited on fotor.com

Organic Care Colour Shield Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Any dyed red-heads or brunettes out there? Struggling to find a shampoo that doesn't fade your colour? Well look no further. I have found the best shampoo and conditioner for you!

You would've been told that shampoos that are sulfate free are best for your hair because that's what strips colour out. You also would have realised how hard that is, even when you've looked at shampoos that say they are for 'colour-treated' hair. If there are any sulfates listed at the top of the ingredients list, then put that bottle down. Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate,  and ammonium lauryl or laureth sulfate should either be at the very bottom of the ingredients list, or completely absent. If they are at the top then that shampoo will fade your colour faster than you can say 'sassy'.

If you are like me and don't like spending heaps of money on salon brand shampoos and conditioners that are "made" for colour treated hair, and supposedly don't fade the colour, then you need to go into a supermarket and buy Organic Care's Colour Shield. It is a more pricier super market brand, but it's still a lot cheaper than what you will buy at the salon. When I bought it, it was about $5 for the shampoo, then $5 again for the conditioner. Normally I go for the 2 for $5 deals because I'm quite cheap. But then I decided to go red and I know that it is a really hard colour to up keep, especially when you don't have the proper products for it.

After the first wash, I noticed no difference from the colour it was before, and when I used it for the first time, it was the first time I had washed my hair since dying it red. I thought that if it was going to fade my hair, it would've done most damage then.

Left: first wash, Middle: second wash, Right: third wash. 

I give this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. Not completely 5 stars because I'm not completely sold on the scent. It's nice but not amazing. 

Shannen xx

Photo of the shampoo taken from Google Images. 

Photos of myself taken on my iPhone and edited on the fotor app for smartphones.