Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss

Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss, R99,95 on rubybox

This. Is. My. FAVOURITE! Lip product at the moment. Lip balm is the only other thing I've been wearing on my lips since receiving this from rubybox in November, along with the Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage and the Bourjois Khol & Contour Eyepencil in Brun Design. It's just right. Every time.

Self-adjusting products are popular, and it's totally understandable why; with different undertones, complexions, "correction" requirements and the need for minimal guesswork when purchasing makeup. While walking around in a department store one day, running out of testing space on my arms (I'm sure you're familiar with this) looking for the perfect shade of blush, I came across a self-adjusting gel formula and was blown away, as I didn't expect to find it in SA, at the time. We have access to many SUPER brands (not enough, though) but we don't often get the WHOLE collection of products. Within the next month or two, there were self-adjusting products errrwhere. I like the idea, but very few of them work to my satisfaction. I've tried a few on my hands and arms in stores that just didn't adjust to suit MY skin colour or a natural-looking shade of pink. I'm still like a kid about it, though, I get all excited when clear gels and white creams start turning into shades of a good cup of tea with milk, or into strawberry Fizzer shades. Omg, you guys, I have a serious Fizzer addiction. I'm totally going off sugar once I finish this bag of Fizzers, I swear. My body has spoken! But it tastes SO GOOD!

Jeez, can you, like, get back to the product at hand, here, Crazy.

2 3 4 7 Fizzers later.

Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss contains pigments that adjust to the pH of your lips, delivering a somewhat exclusive rose-pink shade. We could all use this and have different shades of rose-pink lips. I tried it on my cheeks, too, thinking it would be all matchy-matchy with my lips. It wasn't. Clearly differing pH levels, then.

Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss. Love the brush. It's like a nail polish brush. I want nail polish with a brush like that. 

It goes on as a clear, slightly sticky gloss, that is also self-leveling, I may add. The colour develops within seconds... and sometimes keeps developing. It doesn't say that the colour intensity is layer-dependent, but I've noticed that the more I apply, the darker/brighter it seems. I don't mind dark/bright pinks, but if you're looking for a natural, hint of pink, you either need to use very little and spread it with a clean lip brush or your finger tips, or you need to move on to something else.

I thought I could outsmart this product by "lining" my lips with it a few minutes before filling in it to create a two-tone effect. It looked like those really old-school sitcoms and music videos where they lined their lips and then added clear gloss. Just no.  Minutes later, I applied it again, going over the entire area of my lips. It was SO COOL. Two-toned lips with minimal thought or effort. Until minutes later, it all developed into a uniform colour. Short-lived genius. I guess you could also look at that as foolproof. Right?

It has vitamins C and E, which I love, but it certainly doesn't provide 8 hour moisture as it says it does. It's not a drying gloss at all, as I've come to expect of sticky glosses, but I didn't find it particularly moisturizing. Also, the glossiness will wear off, especially if you're going to eat, drink, talk a lot or kiss someone. The colour, however, outlives the gloss. So even hours after your pout is no longer bouncing the light into the eyes of a cute person, it will still look like you just ate a  pink bompie. still look nicely tinted/stained, and more natural. Two thumbs up for colour longevity.

I've only tried this over a lipstick once, and I didn't particularly love the result, so I'll keep using this clean, or over lip balm. You really don't need anything else with this lip product, and I'll be more than happy to purchase this with my own paper cash money once I finish this one. It's now a staple. Also, pretty convenient if you're going out and want to use a clutch or a small bag with minimal space. You know, the ones that can only carry your phone, money and a couple of tissues. Just halve the amount of tissues, and add your Bourjois Rose Exclusif. :-D


Miss B

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

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

Essence Goodies

Got a few Essence goodies in the November Rubybox, so I've had quite a while to try it...

Essence Colour and Go nail polish in Nude It

image from nihrida.com

Nice colour, crap brush.
I never really LOVED the nude nail trend. I think it suits many people, but I don't love the earthy tones on myself. Essence's Nude It was pretty, though. And after the first coat I thought, "Hey, this could work." It doesn't have that orange or yellow tone that some nudes tend to have, and it also doesn't have the pink undertone. It's a proper, earthy, light-brown type nude. And that's all that was good about it. And the fact that it dries quickly.
I got frustrated painting my nails with this one. I did it over thrice thinking I was the problem, but turns out I wasn't. It didn't come out even at all. Not once. At first it was streaky, and I was expecting a bit of self-levelling, but it just dried that way, and looked terrible, hence not my own picture above. When I tried it the second time with less pressure (thinking maybe I put too much pressure on the brush) it still did that and when I tried to correct it, it just ridged and bubbled. Annoying. I don't think that the formulation was the problem, but rather the brush. It seemed uneven and very hard. I've got one other Essence nail polish, and it's not as bad as the Nude It one, so maybe it was just that one I got. Still, nothing about it made me want to go out and get it. Not even the fact that it didn't look weird with my complexion.

Essence XXXL Nudes Lipgloss in Pure Beauty

image from ebay.co.uk

I love this. It is surprisingly moisturizing. Whenever my lips are looking a bit dry, I apply this first before my lipstick, just to smooth it out a little. Of course, it is better to continually moisturize your lips and never let it get to that point of dryness, but sometimes one can't help it. Code for 'I have more important things to do than apply lip balm every 10 minutes.' Either way, this is nice. It doesn't dry your lips with continual use. I used it every day for a week with no other moisturizing lip balms and I had no issues. It doesn't affect other lip colours too much, but I would recommend applying this before your lipstick, unless you want your lipstick to look a shade or two lighter or if your lipstick is the same colour or a very similar nude. It blends very well, and isn't sticky. If you press your lips together, they're not going to stick together or feel uncomfortable when you separate them. It's also not disco ball shimmery.  It's has a very subtle shimmer and gives more of a great translucent sheen. The scent is great. It smells like vanilla icing meets toffee and white chocolate, and tastes like that, too. I know, but it happens. I'd like to try the Glamour to Go, Bubble Babe and Nude Kiss. Maybe even Nude Candy, although it seems a bit light for me.


Essence Metallic eye pencil in White Divine

Top: Essence Kajal Pencil no.19 All I Want. Read more about it here

Bottom: Essence Metallic Eye Liner in White Divine.

I absolutely LOVE this eye pencil. It is very soft, so no need to add pressure and drag on the skin of the very delicate eyelid. There's also lots of room to play with the intensity. That is one "coat" in the picture and I used the pencil at an angle, hence it looks like quite a broad line. I love using this on my upper eyelids and then smudging it, so it looks like there's a bit of shimmer, but it's not as intense and obvious as above. It looks great smudged, with nothing else but black liquid/gel liner. This is also great to lightly line your lower waterline. I don't like lining the waterline with white at all, but if you use this baby very lightly it may make your eyes look bigger and brighter without the chalk-looking effect. Another way you could use this is to line your upper lid finely. Make sure to sharpen the pencil, k? Also, if you often get highlighting powder in your eye when you try to dab a bit onto the inner corners of your eyes (especially if you're using a brush), or just want something really bright, try this. I actually prefer it to powder. And if you apply too much, just smudge it. And lastly (I think), make your pout pop by lightly lining your cupids bow with this li'l wonder. And gently smudge it. :-)

What are your favourite Essence goodies? Tried any of the above? Tell me below in the comments section.

Miss B