Bourjois Khol and Contour Pencil in Brun Design

Bourjois Khol & Contour Eyepencil in 78 Brun Design, R85,95* on rubybox.co.za 

I was cleaning out my makeup bags the other day, and didn't realize I had so many.  I hardly use black eye pencil, but I have four (????), of which I use one.  Maybe they've been procreating?

I digress.

I received the Bourjois Khol & Contour Eyepencil in Brun Design with the Smokey Eyes Trio last month, and I'm slightly infatuated with it. It's super soft and rich in pigment. It's a beautiful, dark, matte brown, like the colour of Lindt 70% Cocoa chocolate. Yum. I would've loved to take a picture of the eyepencil and chocolate side-by-side, but... chocolate. Yum.

You could use this sharpened to get the perfect barely-there line on your upper eyelids with little effort. It's also GREAT for tight-lining, and because it's so soft, minimal manipulation of the eyelid is required. No pulling, stretching, lifting. If you prefer a thicker, more obvious khol line, you could use it blunt or simply slant the pencil like you would for "shading" in a colouring book. Keep in mind that this pencil is super soft and you need minimal pressure during application. I learnt this by bending and breaking the nib a couple of times.

The Bourjois Khol & Contour Eyepencil in Brun Design is also SUPER for contouring and smudging. I could create a perfectly acceptable and presentable smoky eye using just this pencil. Srsly. Wanna contour your lids? Simply dot/dab the pencil in the crease of your upper eyelid and smudge'n'blend with your ring finger or a blending brush. Even those little sponge applicators you usually get with compacts can be used for this. For an intense smokey eye, you could line your entire lid with this and simply smudge'n'blend the obvious lines and voila. If you're going to smudge and blend with ease, you have to do it soon after application, though, or you'll need to use a little more effort for it to budge, and probably some beauty tools, too. This makes it great for flicks and winged-liner, especially if you're not comfortable and confident with liquid and gel liners. Which brings me to it's "hold"...

It is long-lasting, and won't run and smudge unless seriously provoked. This isn't an eyepencil that will move in the slightest if you splash your face with water. You can't just wipe this away without makeup-remover or cleanser. Is it hard to remove? No. But water is not going to cut it. I had created flicks with this pencil last week and forgot to remove my eye makeup before jumping into the shower (and I avoid "washing" my eyes, as my current cleanser is not ideal for the eye area) and my eye makeup was still fully intact. Not even the slightest smudge or fading, and I had rinsed my face a couple of times to remove my cleanser properly AND I had dried my (whole) face. Impressive staying power, right? Whether or not it lasts 16 hours, I wouldn't be able to tell you, as I've never worn makeup for that long. But, on their website they state that it was "scientifically tested on 22 consumers - result obtained on 32% of panelists", so if you need your eye pencil to last for that long, I hope you're in the 32%. I love that they disclosed that. And I love scientific tests. A lot.

To add to it's multi-purpose appeal, this is also a great eyebrow pencil. I have naturally dark brows, but sometimes I need to fill a few gaps, especially when I'm going through a "reinvention" phase where I decide to change the shape of my eyebrows, or change the position of the arch. If you've read about my hair issues, you'll know that this is the only way I'll attempt changing my look. For now.

I'm tempted to contour my whole face with this pencil, because it's so nice. The only thing holding me back is that it's way darker than a "couple of shades" and I may look dirty, but I'll be totally on it should I have no other contouring products handy, if and when needed. Also, watching my eye pencils get smaller as I sharpen them makes me sad. 

Have you tried any of the Bourjois Khol & Contour Eyepencils? Which colours are your favourite?

Miss B

*At time of publishing

Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage

I was fortunate to receive the Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage 05 from rubybox for my last task as a RUBYROYAL, where I demonstrated one of the ways in which you can take your look from day to night.

Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in 05 Rose Vintage*

The Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio uses "baked technology", is enriched with mineral powders, and is fragrance free. It's cutely packaged in a "compact case" that includes a double-tipped applicator. I've dropped the compact onto tiled floors at least twice in the past month and it has only 1 scratch on it and the shadows haven't broken or cracked, which is pretty impressive. Had I dropped my professional palette (again), I would've mourned the death of at least one (more) shade.

My first impression was that it would make a great blush. At least, that was my intention for the medium shade as it looked like the perfect shimmery pink for my complexion (I've noticed that I tend to think this about many products colour-coded as "rose"), but after trying it I've decided that it is much better as a cheek highlighter, as shown in this video. I don't usually stray far from neutrals when it comes to eye shadow, so I was a bit hesitant when trying this out. 

It says "silky, easy-to-blend texture, 8-hour wear" and I find this to be accurate. Mostly. It's super silky and soft and easy to blend, but I found the lightest shade to be "harder" than the others: it didn't pick up onto my brush as easily as the other 2 shades, and I had to do that horrible swiping motion with my brush to get the pigment onto the brush. You know, like some impatient cashiers do with your Smart Shopper/Vitality/Clicks card? Or like you did when you were about 6 years old, playing shop-shop with your plastic till? I'm all for product economy, and all that friction created "dust" and I had to wipe away most of it. I find that a finger works slightly better.

Left: no flash. Right: flash. Yes, I'll get better at taking pics with one hand.

The lightest shade looks like a pale rose mist-/seashell-/lavender blush-/antique white-meets-pearl or, more simply, a shimmery champagne pink. Although, it didn't pick up easily with the brush, it was soft and easy to blend once on the skin. You can also use this shade not only as a highlighter on your brow bone and inner corners of your eye, but also on the bridge of your nose and cupid's bow. Use it sparingly, though, as it is very shimmery. Great glam for night, but I'd spend more time blending for day wear.

The medium shade is my favourite. It's a light piggy-pink shade. It's great over the entire lid as an everyday application. It's my lazy-girl shade at the moment, meaning if I have to leave the house, I swipe it on, apply mascara and that's my eyes done. Nothing else needed, as it's so pretty and brightening enough on it's own. As mentioned above, it works nicely as a cheek highlighter. It may be slightly too pink (and shimmery) to use as a highlighter anywhere else on your face. Depending on your complexion, you could use this as a shimmer blush, or as a shimmery veil over your matte blush. Remember to start off with a light-hand and blend well. It's easier to layer to get the desired effect, than to try to correct too much shimmer at a later stage. This shade is also great to dab over a lifeless matte, pink lipstick/tint/gloss, and you could do this over the entire lip or just at the centre for some dimension.

"Plummy" was the first thought I had when testing the darkest/sculpt shade. Actually, it's the colour of dried-red-roses before they turn brown and crumble. Duh, "Rose Vintage". It's intense. You won't need to dampen your brush to intensify this shade, simply pat it on and BOOM! It doesn't become much darker the more you layer it. It's pigment-rich and what you see is what you get. I did a single application (one layer) in the swatch above. What DOES happen when you layer it, though, is that the lighter accents of the shade become more apparent, giving it a more pinky, pearlized effect.

The Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in 05 Rose Vintage can be versatile in terms of function and the colours are great for any eye and complexion colour. Although I was a little concerned at first about the "pinks", it complements my brown eyes, and I've worn even the darkest shade more than I thought I would. I don't often expect eyeshadows to last for 8 hours, even if it clearly states that it will, but this one did. In fact, it lasted just over 10 hours. I applied it in the morning, cleaned the house**, walked the dogs on the beach**, made dinner and then showered, and it was still intact before I showered. I had rubbed my eye once that day, forgetting I had applied a full face makeup, and it smudged a little, but didn't come off completely. I hadn't used a primer or applied powder that day, I simply applied it over my tinted moisturizer, which seemed to be enough. There was slight creasing, though, but not enough to make me want to remove it or reapply it. Nothing a primer or some powder pre-application couldn't fix, in my opinion. 

I've put the Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio 05 Rose Vintage in my personal makeup collection, and there it will stay. Not only because of all the above reasons, but also because the man had noticed it and said I looked pretty and asked if I was going out when I applied it that morning before cleaning (even though I was wearing trackpants and an over-sized t-shirt). That coming from a guy who asks, "Did you wash your hair?" or says, "your hair looks nice" when he thinks something's different but can't figure out what...like when I tweeze my eyebrows or paint my nails. Really.

Miss B

*prices vary depending on where you purchase it. I've checked a few online stores, but the price varies by as much as R70.

**This is how I test the "longevity" of makeup: I apply it in the morning after cleaning my face, I clean the house (properly, not just pack dishes away) and then walk the dogs. Sometimes I'll throw a workout into the mix, but this rarely happens.

Day-to-Night Makeup

My latest video for rubybox is up, and it shows you a simple way you can take your makeup from day to night at your desk. Of course, there's not just ONE way to do this, so I'll be doing a post about other ways you can adjust your makeup from day to night.



I thought it appropriate for this time of the year, as there are many end-of-year functions, after work meet-ups and cocktails happening and not everyone has the time to rush home and change outfits/hairstyles/makeup completely.  

Of course, this is useful for any time of the year. Many people have places to be after work and want a little more from their makeup.

I used Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage, Bourjois Khol and Contour in Brun Design and Bourjois Rose Exclusif lipgloss in the video, which were sent to me by rubybox. Thanks, Rubies. I'll be doing full reviews on all the products soon, so keep an eye out for it. I am thoroughly impressed with Bourjois products, and am especially obsessed with their Rose Exclusif lipgloss, and haven't worn another lip product, other than lip balm, since receiving it. I'm wearing it right now.



Miss B

My Hair Issues and an Updo Tutorial

I have long hair and hardly do anything more than wear it down, in a ponytail or in a bun (often a messy one). I'm also that kind of girl that goes to the hair salon and tells the stylist something like: "I'm so bored with my hair. I want something different, but don't change anything. You know what I mean?" I don't colour my hair, I've layered it a few times and I've had a fringe, but I have a love-hate relationship with these things. I like my hair one-length, it's easy for me to manage. What's easier than wash-and-go hair? My last two visits to the hairdresser were funny. One stylist sat on the floor while trimming my ends. The chair was at it's highest and she didn't want to have to bend over at an angle, only to not be able to see what she's doing properly. The other, who I've been going to on-and-off for years actually sighed and then asked what I would like to do with my "mermaid hair", if anything. As if I didn't already know I was kind of boring...boring hit me in the face and for a long time I've been wanting to step up my hair game. Mainly, just learn to style it differently.

So, I learned a few simple and quick things to do without pushing myself too far out of my comfort zone. I like the elaborate 'dos, but many of them require styling products, and the less I use, the better, to be frank. Note: I don't have a great track record with hairspray. I hate those strong hold sprays that make your hair so dull and crispy that when you take down your up-style, it feels like you've put your hand into a bag of Lays Lightly Salted and just crunched up/squashed the chips in your hand like you're mad at it. It also, somehow, always ends up in my throat via inhalation or phantom ingestion.

Last month, rubybox challenged me with this, by requesting me to do a quick and easy up'do as a RUBYROYAL. And so I huffed and puffed and blew my hair out...nicely, for a change.


                 

Products I used in the video, as well as my current hair routine:

Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo will set you forward about *R255 (250 ml) and *R275 (200 ml) for the conditioner.

Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo and Conditioner for long, thick hair. I don't have "thick hair" but it still worked nicely and wasn't heavy at all. I felt the difference in my hair the second I started rinsing out the shampoo. My wet hair felt smoother already. I was using the Kerastase Dermo-Calm before this one, which is also great for more sensitive scalps. My scalp gets funny every season change with my allergies and all, so this gentle scalp cleanser is a regular for me, and I alternate when needs be.

Kerastase Mousse Bouffante, 150 ml retails at about *R260

Kerastase Mousse Bouffante (strong hold): my new obsession. It's part of the Prado Blue / Customized Construction / Designer range, within their new Couture Styling range, which is designed to be used on towel-dried hair. I only applied it in a horseshoe shape around my crown for the video. It works best if you apply it to damp hair, just before you blow-dry that area. Don't apply it all over your head and then leave it while you dry your hair section by section, it will become a little sticky and harder to work with and blow out. If you like lots of volume (read: high hair) then blow-dry the relevant sections of hair up and forward (or in the opposite direction you want it to fall), and when you're done with that piece, just gooi it back. This product (and others in the range) also provides heat protection, thanks to a Xylose agent, so you don't have to worry about applying yet another product before heat styling. It also provides UVA/UVB protection which is still way too underrated, in my opinion. (And thank goodness, because I've been using a sun protection hair CREAM, which is not ideal for fresh-hair-longevity and volume.) We always see sunscreen and UV protection products for face and body, and not enough for scalp and hair, leaving it unprotected and vulnerable to sunburn and UV damage. Two thumbs up from me, Kerastase.

All the products in the new Couture Styling range are said to provide hold, but still allow for the natural movement and flexibility of the hair, thanks to micronized polymers and their shape memory. The products also contain Vitamin E, one of my favourite vitamins/antioxidants. And may I just say that I absolutely LOVE the colours and product packaging. It's gorgeous.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Retails at *R450

After drying, I always apply the Kerastase Elixir Ultime from mid-length to the ends, and whatever's left on my hands, I run through from the roots. You can read more about how I love and use this product HERE.

Slightly messy with bits and pieces coming out, but you can do it more "tightly" and neater. I was going for "effortless".

I then made the low-knot bun with a twist, and set with Kerastase Laque Couture Micro Mist Fixing Lacquer (medium hold):

Kerastase Laque Couture 300ml retails at about *R260

This hairspray is UH!-mazing. It falls under the Violet Vision / Perfect Finish / Perfector range - to be used on dried and styled hair - also as part of the Couture Styling range. Firstly, I didn't choke after spraying, and there was no phantom ingestion. It has a very light scent, and there was no hair hardness, whatsoever. YESSSSSS! You spray it onto your dry, styled hair from about 20-30cm away, and off you go, owning the day/night/life/universe. In the video above, I had probably done the low-knot bun thrice and sprayed it every single time before shooting the intro, and you can see that my hair still has lots of movement. A few kinks and bumps from knotting and twisting and bunning, but no Stepford-Wife-hair action. The really nice thing about these products is that unless you're really paranoid/obedient/self-conscious about washing your hair and product build-up, this won't weigh it down and need to be washed out immediately, when you've returned from owning the day/night/life/universe. If you wash your hair every 3 days, using this won't make you need to wash your hair after 1 or 2 days. So, it's great for everyday use, if you like rocking cool hairstyles errrday. It's perfect for loose curls/waves, too. Hello, summer, beachy hair. Although, there are other products specifically for that function. The Laque Couture provides the same protection as mentioned above for the Mousse Bouffante, and has the same benefits.

You can check out other products from the Kerastase Couture Styling Range in CONSTRUCT and FINISH. Sigh, I want everything. I've got my eye firmly fixed (ha!) on the Forme Fatale Bodifying All-Over Gel (Construct) and the Gloss Appeal Instant Shine and Top Coat Spray (Finish), though. The Kerastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate, a skincare inspired super serum, has been on my wish list for a few months now, too.

With these side-kicks, I think I should get over my crispy Lays hair fears and will try a few more elaborate up'dos. What are your favourite up'dos and which do you think I should try?


Miss B
* Prices at time of purchase/publishing. Prices are subject to change and may differ depending on retailer.
Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo and Conditioner, Mousse Bouffante and Laque Couture were sent to me by rubybox for the purpose of demonstrating an updo for their video channel. I did this review because I have been using Kerastase for more than a year now, at my own expense, and am thoroughly impressed with their products. All of the above are now staples in my routine. This is not a requested or sponsored post. See more about my reviews HERE.

rubybox Beauty Night Out Cape Town

Last Friday, I attended rubybox Beauty Night Out...and almost didn't leave. It was SO MUCH fun. I've been in a little bubble since the event, hence this delayed post.

After all my "outfit drama" last week, I bought an infinity dress at Phoenix Wardrobe in Canal Walk...on Friday...after 4pm. The store owner, Jehan, was super helpful and accommodating. I redid the damn thing thrice before settling on the "most covering option", as it was so damn cold in Cape Town.

On stepping into the Mount Nelson Ballroom, everything was so pretty (including the people) and so well organized, that it was confusing. I was presented with all these options: Cocktails, wine, build-a-box, makeup, hair, manicures, a lot of friendly faces. So many options, where to go first?

I also realized that I suck at taking photos, but in my defence, I borrowed someone else's camera for the night and the flash was blinding...to those I was taking pictures of and to those who looked at the pictures. *hangs head in shame.* I'm sorry. Luckily, many others took pictures, and as soon as I find 'em all I'll link to it. You can check out the rest on the rubybox Facebook page, in the meantime.

My first stop was at Stila, to get a nice face for the night. I have to admit, I'm not the most relaxed person when it comes to having makeup and hair done. I've had some disasters where the results were just not what I expected. In a bad way. I'm sure we could all relate. On the other hand, I also like to "try new things" and sometimes you just have to let the professionals do their thing, and you may be very pleasantly surprised. As was the case at Beauty Night Out. Sonya (hope I got the spelling right) knew exactly what she was going for - "big bold eyes", something I don't really do. It looked way more dramatic sitting in her chair (and in person) but it photographed really well. She also coated a few of my lashes with blue liquid liner, which I LOVED. And am now officially obsessed with blue mascara. I also discovered some new makeup gems from Stila, including their Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer. It's really nice. Light-medium coverage that feels like nothing on your skin. And it really stays put. I also have a new-found LOVE for their Baked Cheek Duo in Pink Glow. I'm not crazy about shimmery blushes, because often when you want to layer the colour, the shimmer is inescapable and you could look a little too disco. The Baked Cheek Duo, however, was perfectly balanced and I looked warm and radiant. Thanks, Sonya (and Stila).

I know, duck-facing like a chop, but it's the only pic where you can see the blue in my lashes. And you JUST HAD TO see the blue in my lashes.

The next stop was at Scar to get my hurrr did. I was greeted by Jodi, who was super friendly and helpful, and full of ideas on how to style my hair for the night. She has amazing hair. The kind of hair you just want to touch and flip and twirl. Sigh. The Scar lovelies eventually decided on straight and sleek hair, all down, with a middle parting. I don't do middle partings. I think it looks funny with my super sexy widow's peak and chubby cheeks, but Leandi (hair stylist) totally proved me wrong. She made magic. And it didn't look funny. I'm totally popping into Scar soon. Maybe their magical hair powers are transferable...? Thanks, Leandi and Jodi.

I completely lost it a little bit that night because I got to meet beauty LEGENDS that night: Margaux Knuppe, co-founder and director of rubybox (unfortunately lost my Margaux pics - stupid BlackBerry) and Leigh van den Berg from Lipgloss is my Life. If you're not familiar with lipglossismylife.com yet, get over there and subscribe, because it's one of the best beauty blogs you will find in your lifetime. Leigh knows her stuff and keeps it real. She's also super entertaining. You may have seen my tweet about how I squealed like a loser when I saw Leigh. Only slightly embarrassed. She was in a "bit of a rush" as she was off to do a "restaurant review" (read: run and hide from this crazy chick) so we didn't get to chat much. Shame, she didn't even get to Build-A-Box, even though I offered to help her as she didn't have much time (clearly can't take a hint.) Yeah, I offered to help her build her box. I'm crazy helpful, sometimes. Ha. Anyway, it was lovely meeting her and she is even prettier/hotter/cuter and more beautiful in person. With a killer sense of humour, too. And super soft hair. I got to put all of 5 strands back in their place before we took a "piccie" together, because that's what friends do. :-P

Can. You. Even. Deal. How cute, we matched. Kinda.

Later that evening, the RUBYROYAL finalists were called up on stage, and the announcement of the official RUBYROYALS was to be made.

And...

Jennifer, Lauren, moi, Kwena, Simônè, Adel, Chante and Farzaanah. Why didn't anyone fix my hair, here? Do I have no friends?

We're ALL RUBYROYALS. Yay! Congrats to all the other ladies and I look forward to working with them all. I'll do a follow-up post about our breakfast that took place the next day and about all these amazing individuals, and their blogs/vlogs. GO TEAM!

Just before the announcement and giveaways, we straight up attacked the photo booth:

Me, Lauren and Simônè

I don't know, clearly watched one too many girl-kicking-ass movies.

The way Lauren and Simônè rock these hats...

My favourite pic. How freakin' cool is that giant comb? And yes, I totally sanitized it before letting it touch my hair for all of 3 seconds. Wet wipes are the business. And so is blue mascara. Also, I want those Minnie ears.

I may have a thing for play-guns and pretend-shooting people...in the head.

Simônè thought she could get me with her hand-gun, but I saw it before the picture-taking-countdown was finished, and quickly changed gun-position. Ha! Gotcha!

And then I got her again. She was obvs not expecting it.

And then I just had enough. But not before she cast a spell on me. :-P

She promised to come back in December and school me on selfies. 

Thanks, Rubies, for a wonderful night. I look forward to the RUBYROYAL journey and experience.

Miss B

P.s. Johannesburg, Beauty Night Out is heading your way in November. Click HERE and "join" or mark that you're going for updates and info. It's totally worth it.

xxx

rubybox Beauty Night Out / RubyRoyals

rubybox has been on a quest to find rubybox brand ambassadors and I am super stoked to have been selected as one of the rubybox RUBYROYALs finalists. Yayyy! How many times can you say "rubybox" in one sentence?! Jeez. Whatevs.

Congrats to all the finalists: (top) Kwena, Lauren, meh, Adel
(bottom) Chante, Farzaanah, Jennifer and Simone 

All the finalists, along with you and your friends, will be at rubybox's Beauty Night Out this Friday, 30 August. I am sooo excited and can't wait to meet all the other lovelies as well as the awesome Rubies who make it all possible. I've emailed them too many times with silly questions, and it's time to put names to faces. I like meeting patient and accommodating people. Haha. Speaking of emailing, we have our own go-to-girl for all things RUBYROYALS. How cool?! I try not to email her every hour, just to check if this is real. Hi, Emma!

I've never been to an event like Beauty Night Out, and super excited to get my glam on. If I could just get my outfit sorted already. I had it all planned out: pretty knee-length dress and heels, but last week my dogs were playing in the house and my laptop was charging. I know what you're thinking. It must have been a superhero game, because then the little bitch thought she could run THROUGH the cords/lead/cables and then I saw my laptop flying off the table in slooooooow-mooooo. I shouted "noooooooooooooooooo" (in slooooooooow mooooooooooo) and ran to rescue my laptop from it's potential death. I hit the floor knees first. I know, right?! KNEES FIRST, like a trained loser. It hurt, a lot. The laptop is doing well, though. As alive as ever. My knees, however, are busted up. I tried to conceal it with makeup, but unfortunately, these knees cannot be concealed and powdered. Knee-puffs, anyone? *cries* So knee-length and above-knee-length dresses are no longer an option for me for Beauty Night Out and my brain is scrambled trying to come up with something better. T minus 100 hours until event. No pressure, Miss B.

It will be held at the Mount Nelson hotel in Cape Town, where you'll be treated to Absolut Vodka-infused cocktails, Saxenburg wines and canapes. But wait, there's more. DUH! Who's going to get all dressed up and go all the way to the Mount Nelson for a drink or two? *looks around* *hides*

You can also get pro makeup tips and touch ups from Stila makeup artists and get your hair styled by Scar stylists. I've never been to Scar, but one of my besties ('Sup, Lindsay) has her hair done there and LOVES them. A lot. And she has gorgeous hair, so they are obviously a great addition and enhancement to what God and your parents gave you.

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is the Issahra Experience by WOW Spa. Hand scrub, massage and mani? YES, PLEASE! I'll take TWO.

Sounds super fantastic, right? Why not gather all your girlfriends and make a night of it? You can find out more about the event here and/or check out it on Facebook. You even get to capture it all in your all-glammed-up glory with the Pout or Pose Photo Booth.

Hope to see you there. Since we don't know each other, let's just introduce ourselves to everyone like crazies until we find each other, okay? If you're not into that idea, you could always just look for me. I'm the girl with the busted up knees. I'll be waiting for you.


Miss B

Smashbox Photo Finish Bronzing Foundation Primer

I bought this on Rubybox as a gift to myself. They had a Christmas in July Sale. AAAAAAAHHHHHH.

I've always wanted to try the Smashbox primers as they walk away with most of the beauty awards in their category. I've tried a few of their primers before, in the store, on the back of my hand, just to feel the texture and see the finish. And I could never close the deal because I've justified to myself that hand cream and socks and underwear were more important at the time. As if my face doesn't need underwear, too.

So why now? Because I'm a big girl that doesn't like powder (or even wear proper foundation), so I need a different approach in longer-lasting makeup. According to it's description, it's meant to warm the skin tone, reduce visible pores and fine lines, and even skin tone, making for a smooth application of foundation.

Well, it arrived and I went NUTS! Jumped up and down, did a little booty dance, NUTS!

Until I put it on my face.

Eh. Hmm. Urgh. Meh.

It was like this one time when I was a kid and there were grapes on the table and I was all "YAY! I love grapes" and took a handful, then I bit into one and it was an olive. Or at my matric farewell, when I was so happy there was potato salad and dished a whole BIG spoonful, and saved it for last, and it was a feta salad thing. Who does that?! Seriously.

It has a nice smooth texture and feels velvety. It's also pretty mattifying and has a nice, light scent. I love the black and clear bottle. And that is all that is good for me, friends. Although it comes out a dark, bronze colour, it "melts into" your skin. I wouldn't call this product "bronzing" because it didn't "warm" my skin tone. Also, in case you thought it was luminizing or even slightly shimmery, it isn't. It's very matte. It didn't even appear tinted. I specifically applied it to only half of my face, first, to see the difference. There was no difference. It neither softened fine lines nor reduced the appearance of pores. Nada. If anything, this is a mattifying primer. It feels nothing like any of the Smashbox primers I've tried in the store before.

Have you tried any of the Smashbox primers? Which are your favourites?

Miss B

Rubybox Tools: Eyeshadow Brush

Can one ever have too many eyeshadow brushes?

Well, I guess you can, but I never get tired of it. I'm not sure how many I have, but I'm going to guess about 20+. And I really feel it when I decide to wash all of them in one session. *head in hands* And yes, I use almost all of them. As a makeup artist, they all have a place, but in a personal capacity, I think I'm just weird with my eyeshadow brushes. I tend to designate them to certain products. For example, I won some Dr Hauschka products on One Stiletto At A Time a while ago (which I LOVE) that included eyeshadow brushes, and I only use those eyeshadow brushes for the eyeshadow compact that came with it. Also, I have this angled eyeshadow brush that I only seem to use to apply/blend a specific grey eyeshadow. Whaddup widdat?

rubybox.co.za

Rubybox Tools Eyeshadow Brush is flat with a rounded, tapered edge. It has silky nylon fibres, and is not very dense. It seems a bit "thin". It doesn't seem to affect the quality of application, though. It also depends on what you like, I suppose. When I looked at it and felt the bristles, my first thoughts were that it'll be best for cream/liquid shadows or for when you want to apply eyeshadow powders with a damp brush for intensity. The texture looks like that of one my professional concealer brushes.

Well, I've tried it a few ways and it works well. For dry, compacted shadows (most common form eyeshadow packaging, think standard MAC eyeshadow singles and eyeshadow palettes, generally. They're compacted.), it picks up just enough so that you don't have to tap off any "excess". By "just enough" I mean I press the brush onto the compacted shadow once and it's enough to see the colour/product on your lids in a single application, but there is room for layering. Everyone's intensity preference is different, but I prefer to have the option to layer. I don't do that whole swirling and swiping motion with the eyeshadow brush in compacted eyeshadows: it's untidy and it wastes product as you end up dusting the excess "loose" powder off or blowing it...which is super unhygienic, btw. Don't be gross. Eeuw.

Obviously, for loose eyeshadows (such as Black Up's Glitter and Pearl Powders. Also called "pigment pots" or something similar at some other brands) it depends on your dispensing method. If you're going to "dip" the brush into the pot until you feel the bottom of the container like you're mixing batter, tapping will be necessary, but Rubybox Tools Eyeshadow Brush provides for a smooth application if you just "touch" the little that you're going to use, or if you're like me and prefer the subtle, take the bit on the sides of the pot. Same goes for using it dampened: decant eyeshadow and press onto lids for colour depth and intensity. Do not drag on your eyelid.

My favourite way to use this eyeshadow brush, as I initially thought, is for cream shadows. It's got the perfect shape and texture for this purpose. I've used it for creams shadows about thrice so far and it provides smooth application and blends really well. So if you get it for any reason, get it for your cream shadows. Or for all the liquid/gel eye cosmetics now available. It works much better than those sponge-tip applicators and is much easier to clean. Not keen on cream shadows? That's fine. Luckily, this brush has a "multi-medium" appeal and you can use it with your current eye-shadow products.

Rubybox Tools Eyeshadow Brush is R99.95 on rubybox.co.za


Remember to vote for me in the Rubybox Ruby Royal Competition here or here.
Thank you.
xxx


Miss B

Rubybox Tools: Foundation Brush

If you didn't know, I really love Rubybox. So, it makes me happy that they have their own brand of beauty products in the form of Rubybox Tools. Tools make me happy. I can hardly imagine what our made up faces would look like without tools. Well, I can, but it's not as pretty as with tools.

Out of the few that I have, we should probably start at the beginning (of our routines) with their Foundation Brush.

It's a flat, medium-sized foundation brush, with tapered bristles that are soft yet firm. Because I'm such a hygiene-enthusiast I clean foundation brushes after every use (unless I'm rushing in which case I do a quick clean on a makeup removing wipe and wash it later), and it's kept it's shape after 6 months of use. I also don't recall seeing one of these bristles on my face or décolleté after makeup application: a problem I've had before with other professional brushes. I've never loved a flat foundation brush as much as I have this one, and I love that it's tapered. I've used flat-edged ones before that don't blend very well. Different strokes for different folks.

In terms of application method, it's great for product economy as you use less product than you would if you just smeared it on your face with your hands. It works well to apply your daily moisturizer if you like all that faffing on your face. The blending ability is good...for most foundation products. I don't necessarily think that the fault is in the brush, but rather with the texture/medium of certain products. I love applying my tinted moisturizer with this brush and it works perfectly for that, but as mentioned in one of my BB Cream reviews, I looked like I was coated with butter, ready to go into the oven, when I used it with that specific product and needed to blend with my fingers afterwards.

This brush is so gentle that although it probably works best in linear strokes, you could use it in circular motions if you so wished without "pulling" on the skin. The size is also perfect to apply product to the eye area. You can apply your foundation or the like under your eye and get right up to the lower lash line and blend it without getting product on your lashes or in your eye. Same goes for the upper lid. I can easily control the brush to get product right up to my eyebrow without letting it touch my brows.

I also use this brush to apply cream blush. Say whaaat?! Yes, that's right. I have really cold hands and this makes it hard to apply cream blush evenly, most of the time. The product doesn't melt into my skin nicely and look very natural when my hands are super cold and it feels like I'm trying to colour in my cheeks with new pastels, all while PULLING my skin. I hate skin pulling so much. Also, the product seems to be "softer" in it's compact than on my icy fingers. And when I don't have all the time in the world and sometimes have to apply my makeup in the car after touching the keys to unlock the front door, the security gate, then lock the front door and security gate, open the front gate that needs some extra loving via a push, close the front gate that now needs to be pulled, open the car door, close the car door and then put on my seatbelt...my hands are no longer hygienic and sanitary enough for me to be touching my face. So why not use a brush instead? Saves me a whole lot of potential problems and anxiety. I have a reactive skin, okay, stop judging. I do NOT have OCD. And the results are great.

If you've been thinking of getting a foundation brush but haven't yet decided on one, this one is definitely worth a try. Plus, that matt black handle looks so smart and classy.

Rubybox Tools Foundation Brush retails at R149.95 at rubybox.co.za.


Rubybox is currently running a competition, in search of a brand ambassador, called RubyRoyal. I've entered and would appreciate your vote. Go team! *shakes pom poms*

To hit me up with votes click http://bit.ly/10Qdu4S and "vote" if you're on a PC or Laptop. Unfortunately, that link doesn't work from mobile devices. I have no idea why, I'm technically tehnologically challenged. If you're on a mobile device click HERE, then "View entries" and click on my video "Elana, Cape Town" and vote. All your support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. :-)


Miss B

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

amazon.co.uk

I tried this for the first time last year, but couldn't judge it fairly as there were many variables at the time. I've revisited it, and am kind of impressed.

I'm not Garnier's biggest fan, generally, as I've had a bad experience or two using their skin care range(s), so I was a bit hesitant, but it was one of the first BB creams available in SA, and cost-effective (about R89) at that, so my curiosity got the better of me.

It's a 5-in-one and is meant to even tone, hydrate, smooth fine lines, blur imperfections and provide an SPF of 15. I used the "medium" shade, and although it looked a bit muddy (with hints of pink) on me at first, it blended really well. Depending on your skin type, you can use this on clean skin sans a moisturizer. It makes for really smooth application with your fingertips as you would apply your moisturizer. If you have normal/combination skin, you probably won't need to moisturize at all, just apply your eye product if you use one, and then Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector BB. I can't really advise application methods for drier skins, as I find this BB quite oily for myself, and won't be able to tell if it's enough for you, or if you need added moisture. After about 2 hours, I'm whipping out the blotting sheets, and I always need more than one. Bear in mind that I don't use powder.

It provides a light coverage, with a radiant finish. My skin looks dewy after I apply it. This doesn't settle, and become matte. In fact, as I mentioned above, it becomes quite shiny and oily looking. Not just on the "oily T-zone" but everywhere. I actually look super gross after about 2 hours. Like, seborrheic. Or like I just cracked open an oil capsule and lightly brushed it on my face, with a basting brush. I tried using powder once with this BB cream and it certainly does make a difference, but not for long. I needed to use blotting sheets anyway, just not as soon as without the powder. 

I probably won't use this all over my face as a BB cream again, but I have to note that while using this, my skin did improve. Yes, the condition of my skin became better: clearer and more even. I don't have uneven skin tone, as such, but the difference was noticeable. Also, I "breakout" regularly (thanks, PMS) which doesn't always look bad, sometimes it's not at all noticeable. It is, however, a nice test for me with regards to products.  I like to try it out during that time so that I can observe how my skin reacts. Because of the light coverage, it doesn't cover spots really well. Not on it's own anyway, but it makes for a nice primer/spot-treatment under foundation.

For me, the best way to use this, is as a highlighter. I've tried it both under my foundation and over, and it works, both ways. It's got some concentrated mineral pigments which makes for a very nice glow that doesn't make you look like a disco ball. More like a Chrismas ball/bauble. You know, a little more subtle. I apply it to my cheekbones and brow bones, and on really lazy days, I use it over the entire eye lid with a coat of mascara. If you use a matte or mattifying foundation and have those days where you want t little more radiance without the effort of bronzing powders, highlighters and and and,  I think it would work really well if you add a tiny little blob of this to your foundation.

When I bought it, there weren't testers available, but I've noticed that there are now. So make sure to test it ON YOUR FACE before buying it, to make sure you get the right shade, unless you're getting it for highlighting/priming purposes.

Miss B

Lip Colour Essentials

zuiiorganic.com

I believe you should have at least 3 lip colours in your makeup collection. I can't give you specifics as our complexions, natural lip colours and tastes differ. However, if you have the 3 following lip colours, you won't NEED anything else. Sure, you may WANT a black/blue/purple/orange/white/pastel yellow lipstick, but you don't NEED it. This can also save you money. Well, that depends on your taste, I guess. YSL ain't gon' save you money, honey.

1. You need a colour that's a shade or two lighter than your natural lip colour. The nudey colour your lips are when you wake up, before you brush your teeth or lick them or kiss someone or walk into the door, you know, when they're still kind of pale? That's the colour you want but with a hint of pink. A HINT, not a bucket. This colour is great for when you're playing up your eyes (e.g. dark, smokey eyes). It's also great for day-time and natural looks. For me, that colour is MAC Jubilee.

shopping.com

2. You also need a colour that is a shade or two darker than your natural lip colour. Think about how your lips look after you've brushed your teeth, and the toothpaste has tingled it and buzzed up the circulation. They look bright. That's what you want. This can be the only thing you apply with a coat of mascara. You know how so many makeup artists say if you wear only one thing on your face, make it mascara? This shade of lipstick is MY mascara. I can look like I've seen a ghost or like I'm ill, and one coat of MAC Sophisto on my lips brings my face back to life. And seemingly a punch of health.

allcosmeticswholesale.com

When you mix shade 1. and shade 2., you should get your natural lip colour,  approximately. Yes, I've tried this, yes it works. Also, you can use this to even out your lips if you so wish. For example, if your top lip is thinner than your bottom lip and you want them to look more even, you could apply the lighter shade to the top, and the darker shade to the bottom. Press (not rub, and do that dumb thing they do in movies, which also "stretches" your skin, BTW) lips together once, blend with a lip brush and dab a little more light shade on your top lip. See third shade in pic below.

This is one "coat" of each colour. The MAC Jubilee looks more pink on my lips and not as "tan" as it looks on my wrist.  See when 1+2 are mixed? Again, one coat of each colour, mixed. And don't you just LOVE how intense ONE coat of YSL Rose Stiletto is? I took a pic with flash (right) - I swear those colours don't look so damn shimmery on my face.

The third lip colour essential is a bright colour. I think red (the right shade of red for YOU) should be a staple, but I'm much more of a pink girl. A bright pink. I like blue-toned reds and they don't look terrible on me, but bright pink (it's close enough to red, y'all) suits me better. My perfect bright pink is YSL's Rouge Pur Couture in Rose Stiletto. It's meant to be the pink that suits everyone, and after turning up the lipstick for the first time I thought it looked like an "old lady pink" (sorry) but when I put it on my lips, I was SOLD! And I haven't tried another pink since. And I'm not really looking. There are days when I'm just too lazy to apply "full" makeup (or when the man gives me 15 minutes notice that we're going somewhere and I still need to shower AND moisturize my whole body), and a bright lipstick is perfect for those days. You don't have to wear anything else, except mascara. If you're not that into mascara, skip it. (Cue attack from makeup artists, everywhere) A statement lip is all you need, day or night.

ebay.com

You don't need a nude lipstick, especially if you really can't afford to be purchasing yet another lipstick. Use your foundation. When you apply your foundation to your face, include your lips. Depending on the consistency/coverage of your foundation and the desired effect on your lips, you may need to add a second layer of foundation to your lips. Once the rest of your face is done, just add a gloss. Nude lip complete.

And if you're a total lip product junkie, and want one more colour, make it a berry. Berries suit everyone, and is a great autumn/winter addition. But if it suits you, and you love it, I say wear it all year round. Lucky for me, my #2 darker shade doubles up as a berry, when layered.

Hey, you need not spend half of your beauty budget on lip products. It's one of those things where you can get away with "cheaper" brands. And, actually, many "cheap" brands have great quality lip products.  Try Yardley, Essence, Rimmel, NYX. I love MAC lipsticks, but if I can't afford to buy another one by the time my current favourites run out, and I don't get gift cards as gifts (duh, why else would you get a GIFT card. Facepalm.) and my mom doesn't feel sorry for me, and my boyfriend doesn't get the hint and no-one asks me if I want anything, I'd definitely match my colours with a cheaper brand.

Shop smart, and remember to add a smile to your lip colour. :-) (Would you like some crackers for all that cheese?)

Have any must-have/can't-live-without lip colours? Share below.

Miss B

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

everythingbobbi.com

I'm still on a mission to find the perfect BB Cream for myself. I've never really owned (a full coverage) foundation. The first and last time I had foundation on my face was for my matric dance when I had my makeup done. I don't like it. Or I don't like the idea of the "masking" effect, rather. Yes, I know we've come a long way and there are super stuff on the market that "melts" into your face and becomes a "second skin". Maybe I'm just hesitant because I have a post-acne reactive skin. Either way, I prefer tinted moisturizers, and now BB creams. Plus, I'm a sucker for multi-purpose products.

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 is said to cover imperfections and, therefore, even skin tone; moisturize and control oil; brighten skin instantly and over time; help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help protect against UVA/UVB radiation.

I haven't worn this on it's own (without sunscreen underneath) during the day so I can't really comment on the protection element, but it definitely provides some cover, moisturizes and brightens. I'm not entirely convinced on the oil control factor, as my forehead can get oily over time, and I've noticed this while wearing this BB cream. However, I don't think it's anything a little powder can't fix, and I'm hardly ever without blotting sheets. I'm not big on powder.

It comes in 5 shades: Extra Light, Light, Fair, Medium, and Medium to Dark. At first glance, I assumed I'd be the Fair, but after testing it (and the Medium) on my skin, with much appreciated help from one of the assistants at Bobbi Brown, I'm the "Medium to Dark" shade. There wasn't anything darker, but it works for me.

I swatched it next to a little blemish, see?

Made sure I spread it over the blemish.

Completely blended. A bit pink on my hand, I know. But, blemish covered.

It has a light-to-medium texture, with no obvious scent, and would probably be best applied with warm fingers. I often use a foundation brush to apply this, but I find I look a bit like a pastry that has just been brushed with melted butter or egg yolk: a bit wet and slightly yellow. So, I always end up using my fingers to blend it into my hairline and all along the "perimeter" of my face, right down to my jawline. I also do this above my brows and on the sides of my nose. It just looks better once I've gone over it gently with my fingers and once I do it, it really looks like it just "melts" into my skin.

On first application, before blending completely, it looks like it has yellow undertones (hence the butter/egg yolk brushing), which is great, because I have yellow undertones, so matchy-matchy, right?. But on my hand it looks pinkish. The pink is not obvious on my face, though, and I suppose it contributes to brightening up my face. Also, the yellow undertones help cover any under-eye blueness, and some slightly green veins showing through the delicate skin around the eyes. Mine are quite obvious, and I didn't need to use concealer with this Bobbi Brown BB cream. I just dabbed a little more (a second layer, as such) BB cream over the visible veins, and they were gone. Gone gone. Looked completely covered, but still natural, like I never had it to begin with.

It provides a smooth, medium coverage. My face looks matte but not dry, and usually by the time I've applied the rest of my makeup, it looks more natural and glowy, but not shiny. If you want a more matte look, you could apply powder, but as mentioned above, I don't love powder. I know it sets your makeup, etc, but I'm a minimalist, and I don't like looking too matte. I like the radiant, glowy, I-just-moisturized look.

Overall, I like it, and it looks natural on photos, with minimal flashback, despite the high SPF. Unfortunately, I can't use this everyday. I've been using it for almost 4 months and noticed that I start breaking out when I use this on consecutive days for longer than 2-3 days. It may be a little too rich for my combination skin, so I save it for "special occasions." Having said that, I think this would be great for someone with a normal-to-dry skin.

Have you tried this one? How does it work for you? What are your favourite BB Creams?

Miss B