Festive Fever | Nail Art Idea

The Christmas Season is upon us and what better way to get into the festive mood than to paint your nails. I recently drew inspiration from a YouTube video "Easy Chevron Nails" by cutepolish and created this quick and easy nail art idea. 

1. Apply a quick drying base coat to protect your natural nails. I used Chi Chi Salon Formula Calcium Base Coast.
2. Paint your nails in two coats of a white nail polish. I used Maybelline Colour Show 'Porcelain Party (380)'.
3. Using Sticky Tape paint approximately 2cm strips of nail polish on the non adhesive side. If the colour is sheer more than 1 coat may be needed. I used Revlon 'Metallic (860)', Revlon Top Speed 'Gold Rush', and Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish 'Cranberry Zest (066)'.
4. Cut small strips of each colour and place on the nails as desired.
5. Apply a top coast. I used Chi Chi Salon Formula Top Coat.
6. Repeat on each nail.

So obviously you can use whatever nail polishes you want. I have attached the original YouTube video below.

 

Bring on the Beauty | BB Creams

BB creams, Beauty Balms or Blemish Balms, whatever they are called, are similar to tinted moisturisers but with added bonuses. Originally dermatologists created these creams to be used by patients who have undergone laser skin surgery. In essence the idea was that cream provided genuine benefits for the skin as well as providing enough coverage to used as either a foundation or primer. Since there introduction into the European market in 2011 is has become common knowledge that these creams should provide moisturisation, SPF protection and sheer coverage alongside soothing and healing properties. The appeal of such a product is that it minimises the need to use numerous separate products. So if your like me they are a great time saving option for those mornings were you're running a tad late.

I have accumulated a few BB creams and have therefore decided it was time I shared my opinion on each. First just a list of the products and their approximate costs:

• Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (Medium)                  $15.95
• Rimmel London BB Cream (Medium)                                 $12.95
• Nude by Nature BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream (Medium)         $19.95
• Chi Chi Super BB Cream (Medium)                                    $22.95

So obviously I have purchased all four in the shade medium but I was amazed on how varied the shade was. The Chi Chi and Maybelline shades were yellow based whilst the Rimmel was pink based. The Nude by Nature was in between but does lean more towards the pink. I have a yellow undertone so the pink based creams were not a great match for my skin tone however during the winter months the Nude by Nature was passable. I found that the Chi Chi was the perfect match for my skin tone. Therefore from this I can safely say that not all mediums are the same and that is definitely worth taking the time to swatch them before you buy.

Consistency wise, again they varied. On one hand you have the Rimmel 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup (SPF 25) which is very thick and then the other Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream which is extremely watery. I like my BB cream to be in the middle thick but not too thick, which is how I would describe the Chi Chi Super BB Cream (SPF 30). Since I mentioned the other three it is only right that I comment on the Nude by Nature Miracle Cream (Natural Sunscreen). It has a slight mouse texture which means it is 'thick' but is still very light.

Moving on to coverage. Maybelline Dream Fresh was very sheer and leaves the skin looking extremely natural. If your looking for a high coverage cream this is not the way to go but if you just need to even out the skin tone (and protect etc.) than Maybelline's BB cream is fine. Next we have the Nude by Nature BB cream which had quite good coverage but after an hour or so would begin to break down up clump (for lack of a better word) on my cheeks and nose. I'm not sure why this happened but it is not what you want to happen. I did not really take much notice of the coverage of the Rimmel BB cream because the shade was just so off, I couldn't wear it. However as it is the thickest I assume it would have fullish coverage. And finally Chi Chi's Super BB Cream. First off let me just say that this is my favourite BB cream. The coverage is excellent, even for under the eye area where I tend to be quite dark. The only criticism I have is that is it quite a dewy finish, which I don't really like, so I just set it with a loose powder.

So with all that being said I definitely recommend Chi Chi's Super BB Cream, and if you are looking for a more sheer coverage then Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream is the way to go. I know that the Chi Chi is the most expensive of the four, but you definitely get what you pay for and considering it is the largest bottle it does last a long time. I love my BB creams for use on an everyday basis, so I hope that this review has helped those of you who are new to them or are looking for a new cream.

So until next time ...

Lasting Lips | Rimmel London

Gotta love lip products right? I know I have a little bit of a soft spot for lipsticks and it is no wonder when brands put out such great products and colours. Obviously in this post I am talking about Rimmel London's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss range. From the picture you can see I own quite a few and I do love them all. Rimmel have put out two different finishes within this range; the regular gloss finish and the matte finish.

 I was a bit apprehensive about the matte formula because it is so hard to find a good drugstore (cheaper) matte that doesn't dry the lips too much. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised. The matte lipsticks glided onto the lips, much like the regular formula, and only have a slight drying effect - which is to be expected. The colour range is amazing they have anything from nudes to deep reds and even some more flashier colours. 

This post wouldn't be complete without me commenting on the colour payoff. Well let me just say these lipsticks are really pigmented and are opaque especially the reds. If you were looking for a more sheer look, layer a colourless lip balm underneath.

       
            07 - is a dark nude that I would describe to be slightly brown/mauve. 

            05 - is my favourite pink colour and is very wearable.

            12 - is hard to describe but is an orangey red.
            10 - is a vibrant red that has a slightly pink tone.

            111 - is basically the same colour as 10 but with a matte finish.
            103 - is a nude pink with a matte finish.

These lipsticks as the name suggests are long wearing and can be worn throughout meals without needing a touch up. I did notice that the matte tended to last slightly longer than the gloss. The formula of the two different finishes are quite similar ignoring the fact that one is gloss and the other is matte, however they do have different scents. The matte smells really sweet like candy whilst the other smells more fruity. But in case you were wondering the scent doesn't last like the colour.

I really enjoy these lipsticks and will definitely keep a look out for more colours that I like. I have seen them for sale at Priceline, Coles/Woolworths well just about everywhere in Australia. However the colour range offered does differ where you go. On average these lipsticks retail for around $12 (like I said really affordable). Keep a look out for sales and you could grab these for a bargain.

Until next time....

    

Wow What's that Smell | Jijaka Candles

Everybody loves a fabulous smelling room, right? Well I know I do and one of my favourite scents of all time would have to be vanilla. So obviously I tend to always purchase candles that are vanilla and don't usually stray. However, I was recently gifted a set of 3 candles by Jijaka Australia in the scent Kakadu Lime. I initially thought they were a vanilla with a citrus twist, but I surprisingly wrong. I didn't expect them to be a blend of the floral scent of lime zest and essential bush lime oil. I must say this is now tying if not the top of my favourite scents lists.

What I especially enjoy about this product is the packaging or artwork on the candle jar. It is described to be the tribe rests under the savannah canopy after a long hot journey, navigated by the stars of the dreaming. All Jijaka sales support Indigenous communities through the Nangala project to relieve poverty and disadvantage amongst Australian indigenous children and their families, through creating locally engaged, sustainable opportunity. So basically this product not only smells great but also provides funds for the Nangala project.

Im not entirely sure where you can purchase these candles but I have linked above their website.

Update

So I have been a little busy lately, and really neglected this blog. I'm a tad ashamed of myself. I had such great intentions, too. Start a new blog, post heaps and don't let life getting in the way as an excuse. I didn't realise at the time how hard it is to time manage when life gets so hectic. But not to worry I having recently graduated high school and now have so much free time on my hands .. this is blog is going to be my new best friend. My plan is to try to blog quite frequently about beauty and just in general the transition from child to adult. 

Sounds so formal right, turning from a child into an adult. It is such a big step. I'm quite apprehensive about it all. I'm kind of taking the 'cold turkey' approach and just do it. But I'm not the big hero here who decided that this was the best way, I was given the opportunity to study at one of the best Universities in Australia on a full scholarship. You would be stupid to pass this opportunity up. However, like I said, it means growing up really quickly. See I have to move a big city (which is only 3 hours away) and live by myself with no family around. I will have to do everything for myself, even my own ironing. I think you don't really realise what your parents do for you until you have to start doing them for yourself. I'm pretty sure every teenager takes for granted the little things others do for them, like having meals cooked for you and, if your like me, your washing and ironing done to. But life goes on and you can't be babied forever. In a way I'm grateful for the sudden shock of it all, it has made me appreciate my parents more and has allowed me to become more independent and in control of my life. Don't get me wrong I still wished someone would do my ironing for me, I am literally the world's slowest when it comes to this; but you can't have the cake and eat it too.

So that's about it for my little update. Not that I have had that many page views, but this blog is just as much for me as it is for those who may happen to read it. I need a place where I can share my 'adventures' and  like I first intended review makeup/beauty products (i have a little obsession).

To Balm, Or Not to Balm?

Lip Balm was first marketed in the 1880s by the creator of Chapsticks (Charles Browne Fleet) and has since them become a product that it widely used and produced by majority of all cosmetic/beauty companies. So why do we use them? Well simply put, lip balms are used to relieve or prevent dry or chapped lips by sealing moisture into the lips and protecting them from external exposure. Moisture is drawn away from the body by dry air, cold temperatures and wind, and lips are particularly vulnerable to this effect as the skin is so thin. To prevent moisture loss lip balms that have ingredients such as waxes and petroleum jelly are used. However most modern lips balms also include flavourants, colourants, sunscreens and various medicament that can provide additional, specific benefits.

So in answer to the question to balm, or not to balm? The answer is definitely yes. By maintaining the condition of your lips you are not only going to have luscious lips but you are going to avoid the awkward situations were you are caught out with cracked lips that no one wants to go near. But what lip balm brand should you use? It's all up to personal preference and what additional benefits you are looking for. I have a few that I have been testing and would recommend for you to use.

I have been absolutely loving the Nivea Lip Butters. As you can see I have two; Caramel Cream and Vanilla & Macadamia.  If you aren't into scented lip products they also have put out an unscented version. 

Nivea Lip Butter's are enriched with Shea Butter, Almond Oil and Hydra IQ, provides an intense long-lasting moisturisation to keep your lips soft and silky smooth. Nivea's Hydra IQ's deep moisture technology helps to restore and maintain soft and healthy lips; and Shea Butter protects the sensitive lip skin from the elements. I am absolutely in love with the creaminess of these lip butters and I can't even tell you how good they smell. 

Another Nivea product? Yes. Nivea has one of the most extensive lip care ranges I have seen. There is definitively something for everyone. Nivea's Lip Balm in stick come in numerous different colours and formulations. As pictured above, I have purchased balm that also have a colour pay off. After all who doesn't want those luscious red lips you see on celebrities. So first off I have two Fruity Shine Balms; Strawberry and Pink Guava. Nivea's Fruity Shine balms have a delicious fruity scent in addition to their smoothing and long lasting care. The balms naturally enhance your lips with shimmering pigments and a soft glossy glow. And to top it all of the product offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. And similarly to the lip butters, they are enriched with Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter.

I though there was going to be a difference between the Fruity Shine balms and the other two pictured  Soft Rose and Pearly Shine. But to my surprise the formulation is the same, all that is different is the colour. But all that said these are great products.

WARNING: Do not leave them in the sun or extreme heat, they melt. (bad experience)

And finally we have the iconic baby lips. Everybody has heard of them, everybody probably has them. They are obviously a staple in everybody's lip care collection and now they have released their Baby Lips Loves Colour range and Baby Lips Pink Glow collection. Baby lips also protect the sensitive skin on your lips from the sun with their formula including SPF 16. 

Pictured above is the Baby Lips Loves Colour in the shade Berry Crush; and Baby Lips Pink Glow in the shades Pink Blast and Baby Pink. The Baby Lips Love Colour balms have great colour payoff, and the shades are great. Definitely something everybody should have!

You can purchase any of the products mentioned just about anywhere; Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Priceline, Target etc. And most are around $4 to $5 depending on where you go and what promotions are currently on.

My First Chi Chi Products!

 

Chi Chi Cosmetics is an Australian company established in 1997. The creators George Lambropoulos and Frank Nassiokas use the colours of Australia to create their cosmetics palettes. They were inspired by the earthy tones of the Australia outback... the beautiful blues and pinks of Sydney Harbour... the luscious greens of Melbourne's gardens... the tropical colours of the Great Barrier Reef and the golden sands that Australia.

When I first saw a Chi Chi display in Target I dismissed it as cheap brand for the beginners to makeup, such as you middle school age group. However I then saw they had a display in Myer, a well respected department store that only stocks the best (such as Revlon, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden etc.) Because of this I thought I would do some research on their products. I came across a YouTube video by Lauren Curtis (formerly LaurenBeautyy). She uploaded her makeup collection and within it, she had numerous Chi Chi lipsticks. Lauren said she really enjoyed the range of lipsticks put out by Chi Chi. Convinced that these products were actually worthwhile purchasing and of good quality, I decided to pick up a few items at Target recently.I purchased their BB cream, a nail polish, lipstick and a eye-shadow palette.

Super BB Cream with Caviar Extract and Collguard

Chi Chi's Super BB Cream with Caviar Extract and Collguard promotes collagen synthesis. The formula is ultra moisturising, containing more than 14 Essential Skin Conditioning ingredients which Chi Chi guarantees will leave your skin looking radiant with a natural, healthy looking glow. The BB cream also contains the powerful active ingredient Collguard (anti-wrinkle Collagen) and Caviar Extract (highly antioxidant, super moisturising and soothing) enriches your skin with a wealth of vitamins and minerals to reduce the signs of ageing as well as Botanical Actives and Hyaluronic Acid microspheres for plumping and optimal looking skin.

BB creams are a two in one product - "make-up meets skincare". Chi Chi's Super BB cream is a tinted cream formula with SPF 30 so it may be worn as a "light foundation with benefits" or as a primer to help conceal blemishes, uneven colouring, fine lines, scarring and other imperfections. It allows your skin to breathe, but has a buildable coverage that will not cake on your skin.

I have tried this BB on my skin a few times, and I must say I am quite impressed. I have tried other BB creams and I was not completely satisfied with their finish and lasting ability. However, Chi Chi's Super BB Cream has become one of my favourite everyday skincare products. It applies easily and evenly onto the skin. The colour is almost a perfect match for my skin which is always good, right? I did notice that the finish is quite dewy, and thus I do recommend that you use a finishing powder such as a translucent powder just to get reduce the shine factor produced. Overall a really great product!

Where to Buy:

• Chi Chi Cosmetics Website - Retails for $22.95
• Target Online or Instore - Retails for $22.95 (SALE ON NOW! ONLY $14.00)
• Myer Instore - Retails for $22.95

Glamorous Bases Eye-shadow Palette

Chi Chi's Glamorous Eyes - Eye-shadow Collection in the Bases palette is a collection of velvety soft, highly pigmented eye shadows. The shadows are easy to blend and can be worn sheer or dramatic, wet or dry.The palette contains 12 different eye-shadow colours that can be used in different combinations to create natural eye looks. The colours range from creams, to pinks to browns and bronzes. In addition to this the palette contains both matte and shimmer shades. To be exact there are two matte shades and ten shimmer shades. The packaging is simple and allows you to see exactly what colours are in the palette without any effort. I have not tried this product yet, so stay posted to find out what it is like!

Where to Buy:

• Chi Chi Cosmetics Website - Retails for $22.95
• Target Online or Instore - Retails for $22.95 (SALE ON NOW! ONLY $17.21)
• Myer Instore - Retails for $22.95

Viva La Diva Cream Lipstick - Super Hottie

Chi Chi's Viva La Diva Cream Lipstick's are dramatic, richly coloured and have a matte finish. They are super saturated, ultra pigmented lipsticks that glide on effortlessly leaving a velvety smooth, long wearing and hydrated finish. The lipsticks are enriched with Beeswax, Calendula, Vitamin E, Evening Primrose and Jojoba Oils which means they are non drying and moisturising. I chose the colour "Super Hottie"which is what I would described as a peachy-coral which leans more to the orange side. It is a bold and beautiful colour, that I would probably only wear only special occasions because it is an out-there colour. I can not wait to wear this lipstick out and see other double take, and ask "what is she wearing?"

I have a feeling that the colour may have been discontinued because it is not featured on their website but I did purchase mine in-store at Target.

Where to Buy:

• Chi Chi Cosmetics Website - Retails for $18.95
• Target Online or Instore - Retails for $18.95 
• Myer Instore - Retails for $18.95

Salon Formula Nail Polish - Heart Breaker

Chi Chi's Salon Formula Nail Polish's are where the brand had its beginning. The nail polishes are super long lasting, chip resistant and quick drying. Chi Chi has always delivered polishes that are three dimensional; the right colour in the right texture at the right time to compliment  any fabric or outfit anybody may be wearing.For a high intensity colour with a flawless it is recommended that two coats are applied with Chi Chi's Salon Formula Top and Base Coats. I chose again another peachy, coral colour. Chi Chi's nail polish in "Heart Breaker" is three dimensional, has a glittery finish. I obviously haven't tried this polish yet as I attend a strict Catholic High School that does not allow any cosmetics to be worn. 

I have a feeling that the colour may have been discontinued because it is not featured on their website but I did purchase mine in-store at Target.

Where to Buy:

• Chi Chi Cosmetics Website - Retails for $12.95
• Target Online or Instore - Retails for $12.95 
• Myer Instore - Retails for $12.95

So guys stay tuned for more in depth reviews once I try all these products!

Favourite Youtubers!

YouTube. Everybody has watched a YouTube video and whether it be a compilation of epic fails or a makeup tutorial, everybody has their favourite genres and YouTubers. So as you could probably guess my favourite videos to watch on YouTube are beauty and fashion uploads. I decided that I would share with you, my favourite channels. I however could not tell you which channels are my favourite, or those that I prefer the least. I love them all, and they are the reason I have decided to start "That's My Opinion". So in no particular order, here goes ...

Elle Fowler

Elle uploads some of the best beauty videos I have seen. She provides review on all types of products, both drugstore and high-end. In addition to this she uploads organisation tips and DIY beauty tricks such as a homemade eye mask using just milk and a tissue. Elle also has her own blog, Dreaming in Blush. 

Check out her YouTube channel: AllThatGlitters21

Nicole Guerriero

Nicole brings the sass and big hair to YouTube's realm of beauty gurus. She uploads some amazing makeup tutorials that range from natural and dewy to those that provide us with a step by step guide to achieve a celebrity look. Nicole also uploads some very practical videos such as how to clean your brushes. 

Check out her YouTube channel: nguerriero19

Eleventh Gorgeous

Eleventh Gorgeous, a.k.a sisters Tracy and Stefanie share tips with the YouTube community on affordable makeup and fashion. I really enjoy this channel as they upload three time a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), so there is always something new to watch. They review a range of products of varying cost, so no matter your budget etc. they have probably tried something you might like. And to make it even better they almost always have a current giveaway!

Check out their YouTube channel: eleventhgorgeous

Chloe Morello

Chloe Morello is some home-grown talent! Chloe is from Australia, so majority of her products are available in Australia and thus she can provide us with Australian prices. As a makeup artist, most of Chloe's videos are makeup tutorials. She recently uploaded numerous videos for those who celebrate Hijab! Although I do not practice this religion, the makeup tutorials were amazing and could be worn by anyone.

Check out her YouTube channel: ChloeMorello

Bethany Mota

Bethany Mota is a high school student and is very relate-able.  Her videos are so fun to watch, with her trademark bloopers at the end of most uploads. Bethany shows makeup and hair tutorials, and fashion ideas. Her makeup tutorials are very low key, and minimal - Perfect for any teenager!

Check out her YouTube channel: Macbarbie07

This is only a few of my favourite YouTubers, stay tuned for more!

Welcome!

Hi Everyone, this is my first ever blog post. My name is Zoe, as you probably picked up on through my profile. So I obviously don't really know what to say but I will start with what I plan to post about. Majority of my posts will be related to beauty and fashion, however every now and then a few lifestyle ones may appear. I am really excited to start and maintain this blog. If you have any ideas on the types of posts you would like to read and thus any products that you think I should try and review please comment them below.

So welcome to my blog "That's My Opinion!"