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

Essence The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part [breathes] 2 Shimmer Powder in 01 Bella's Secret

I know this was a limited edition range from Essence and it's been out for quite a while now, but I'm not really into Twilight stuff. Raises hands in surrender...Noooot.

This shimmer powder, however, I LOVE! I've been looking for a powder highlighter since Revlon's limited edition Be Dazzled range sold out. It was the best powder highlighter I've used to date. The closest I've come other than with this Essence one is an eye shadow, that I used as a highlighting powder.

Revlon Be Dazzled Illuminator in Glimmer. Best powder highlighter I've used. Lon time ago. No longer available.

At first glance I didn't really see the 'shimmer', but once I opened it I got it. Then I touched it, and I was sold. How dodgy does that sound? Gosh.

And after seeing the above, you may be thinking, "uhhhhh, that's a bit bright." but once you blend it in, and not just smear it on your face just like that, you get...

And if you use your super soft whatever brush, you can get it to...

...look like this.

I had to retake these pic with the flash so you could see the shimmer properly. It's not in your face glittery (I'm not a fan of glitter on the face), but it's not so subtle that you'll completely miss it...unless you're a boy and not into makeup at all. Guys won't know. It'll be your secret.

You can use this as a "nude" eyeshadow, for a hint of something, but nothing obvious. You can use this as you would normally use a highlighter: Centre of nose blending into forehead, cheekbones, corner of the eyes, brow bone, cupid's bow. You can also highlight your cleavage with this if you so wish.

As with any highlighter, if you have an oilier skin or tend to get very shiny, avoid going crazy with this all over and.or at the centre of your face, you'll probably look gross. I wouldn't use this as an all-over radiance enhancer type product. Leave that to your serums, moisturizers, primers and foundations.

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