Make up brushes, and the infamous UDPP

I finally received my replacement make up brush set from Adambeauty the other day.  I waited like 2 weeks for it.  I swear Australia Post is understaffed or something at the moment… the packages are taking longer and longer to arrive and I believe it’s not at the fault of the seller.

NTP Mini make up brush set

Adambeauty actually stuffed up my order and gave me another NeGoo hair set instead of this brush set, and also forgot to put in the travel size Juju Aquamoist toner that was supposed to come with full size bottle I got in a promo set.  I won’t be getting that either because they forgot to check about the toner.  Moreover, I was going to send the hair set back, but instead I ended up getting it for half price – and gave it to my sis.

Anywho, this is the make up case, smaller than I imagined.

It has a detachable zip up case in the middle, houses a mirror and pockets.

And just a quick look at the size, it’s long enough to fit a JS e/s, and quit roomy if you put a Lunasol palette in.

I can also zip this up completely with both palettes in there, but I took the inner pouch out.

Brushes themselves: eyeliner, lip, eyeshadow and face brush

The eyeliner brush is awesome! I really love it because it can draw a really precise line.  The lip brush is also alright although there were some fray bits

The face brush malts like crazy and is a bit scratchy and so is the eyeshadow brush.  My Ecotools ones are so much better, but I still keep the face brush in the computer room and I do use it.

The brushes themselves are actually quite sturdy and I like how they fit in my hand.

These had powder coming out of them when i ran my fingers through it so I had to wash it thoroughly before use.

Overall, all I can say is that if I went back in time I wouldn’t buy this, and would buy another Ecotools set instead… lol…

 

My next topic begins!!

I need to mention about this eye primer first though.

The NP Set eye primer

Can you already tell my reaction to this eye primer?

This is really a horrible eye primer!!!!!

It boasts that it uses all these oils… yeah OILS… to produce this great eye primer that enhances eyeshadow colour and make it last longer.

1. Half the damn tube squirted on my wall and on the floor because of all this pressure build up in the tube!! WTF?!!?!
2. I have to massage the tube like I freaken knead muscles for 5 minutes to make sure I don’t squeeze a puddle of oil onto my hand (TFSI also tends to separate too but it’s so much better and blendable too)
3. I can’t squeeze this directly onto my eyes, because a little is still too much and it requires a lot of blending
4. It smells like cheap cosmetics…. and fat.
5. From the land down under, nothing good comes cheap – and even if it’s exi, it still may not be good.  This primer was $30-35AUD.  Good thing they at least give 10mL.

I gotta say some good things about it…

1. Consistency is a bit mousse-like.  I mean.. that’s different to other eye primers….
2. It claims to nourish your eyes with Jojoba, Rosehip and sunflower oil.  It’s also sulfate-free
3. Made my hands feel smooth when I swatched it…

On a happier note, yes, UDPP!!!!! I got the professional 25mL size for myself.

Beckie requested the regular tube (10mL) but then I found out there was an XL version but non on ebay I believe that the regular UDPP has also recently changed to the above squeeze tube but smaller too.

I love the packaging

Oh I got this from ebay seller queen.4.a.day, good seller and great packaging.  Only bad thing is she didn’t message me to confirm combined shipping when I requested her to.

The full size version was $26AUD inc shipping, and the professional size was something like $44AUD inc shipping.  Shipping is bloody exi!!!

Transparent original colour Hygienic nozzle tip

From left to right:  UDPP, TFSI, NP set

No Bare Escentuals comparison since I used it all up already.

Smeared down once, UDPP is clearly the driest formula.

Woah TFSI looks shiny there.  I think I squeezed a lot out though.

I know these eye primers have been reviewed like crazy and way better than the way I do it, but here’s my say anyway.

Pros

• Spreads surprisingly well, it looked similar to Bare Escentuals but it is much easier to spread.
• Didn’t make e/s frosty.  I put off buying it for a long time because I was scared of that.
• Does enhance the colour of my e/s

Cons

• Exi and hard to find
• Didn’t stop my left eye from smudging… I give up.. I really do.
• The squeeze tube isn’t that great?  Really hard to squeeze the product out but good thing is it doesn’t shoot out product like NP did on the first squeeze.
  I think the nozzle might a bit a bit too narrow.  I read some horror stories about the tube bursting, but then again it happens with TFSI as well but mine is fine.

Overall great product and I’m reaching for this everyday now

Strawberrynet and others :)

This is quite delayed because my camera’s SD card decided to crack in half and die on me.  I also tried using my parent’s point ‘n shoot but the photos were so terrible I gave up.  Here I was thinking my current Lumix point ‘n shoot was crap…

Nevertheless, I still managed to pull off something LOLS.

Delivery was very prompt and it’s the first time I have received my products in a box.  I like Everything was wrapped up nicely too

This was the main reason for my purchase – the BF has become all high end and decided the only thing good for his skin was this product he tried at his friend’s place in Sydney.

So now he officially uses better skincare than me! LOL oh wells so far so good.  It really does help with oil control while moisturizing at the same time.

These are the stuff I bought for myself

The Balms Balms Away Eye Make up break up

Really wanted to try this because I was getting sick of using my current Garnier and Loreal two layer removers.

When I bought this I was hoping for something that will save me from rubbing back and forth with a cotton pad.  This literally feels like vaseline but claims to have vitamins that help moisturize and protect the eyes.  My eyes do feel nice after I use it and it removes my waterproof eyeliner and mascara with the 30 second eye massage

The other reason I bought this was because other reviews say it gives you a bang for your buck.  The hole in the above picture was made over 3 weeks but I shall see how long this lasts me.

What I don’t like is the wiping off process.  I usually use a cotton pad instead of the recommended tissues to wipe it off.  I have to wipe around the lash line repeatedly to get it all off, though it does eventually all come off.  That sort of counteracts the soothing properties this remover claims to provide.  Though I do believe that trial and error has made it increasingly easier.

I lose a couple of eyelashes along the way but I’m not sure if that’s because of the Rapidlash I am trying out atm (it is typical to malt for the first few weeks while the eyelashes restore themselves – review coming later ). I think it could be the Rapidlash because I can see that the make up remover actually nourishes my eyelashes.  Shall see.

Bare Escentuals Prime Time eye primer

It offers 1.5mL/0.05fl oz for $22AUD, while TFSI offers 11g/0.35fl oz for $35AUD.  WTF 1.5 measley mL?!?!?!? HUGE unhappy face

Whatever.  Since Fuzkittie loves it and rates it higher than TFSI, I bit my lip and bought it.

The twist tube it comes in is a very nice sturdy design.  One question.  What happens to all that product stuck IN the actual tube once it runs out? BAH! There goes more money down the drain.  I say fail packaging! FAILLLL!! I wish it would come in a squeeze tube instead with more.  At least humour me with even 5 or even 3mL…  I don’t even want to use it because I’m scared it would run out =.=

Anyway, to the upside – The consistency is actually drier than TFSI and you can clearly tell that it has no silicon properties in it unlike TFSI.  Well all the better because I never wanted silicon in my eye primer anyway.  One tick from me already.  It smooths on nicely with a small amount despite the dry consistency.  Another tick (Freaken better considering how little they give us in the first place..)

I decided to put it to the test with my Jill Stuart palette.  Jill Stuart.. ahh the luxurious brand.  Has anyone ever mentioned – Your fall out is bad.  You fade faster than my Visee and even Lavshuca palettes.  You turn frosty and dull with glitter chunks easily.  What the heck.  Your range contains WAY too many pink palettes. Yawn.  And even after all that, I still really really want to buy more, if only there were some non-pink palettes..

Anyway to my surprise, fall out was little to none, and the colour stayed vibrant without creasing all day.  I got that really nice shimmering glossy feeling I always wanted from my Jill Stuart palette- not the dull faded look I was getting way too often.  I’m in love  Also, I had minimal smudging around my problem left eye corner too

I think I will have to buy this again when I run out.  But I really really REALLY hate how it’s such a rip off.

Gosh Pearl Shine Lipstick in Starlet 607#

This came free with the purchase

A bit darker than I thought it would be.  It’s quite moisturizing and doesn’t dry out the lips.

It has an underlying cheap cosmetic scent, but also a sweet candy smell too.  It doesn’t bother me too much though.

I went to a discount perfume/cosmetic store a while back and saw Stila products!!  The E/S palette was only $12 AUD!!  I also got a Stila double ended eyeshadow brush for $8

Stila in Marrakesh.  Isn’t the packaging adorable ^^

I had a really hard time trying to get a good shot of the colours, but my camera just was going psycho and wouldn’t let me.  It was only for this palette too.. I think it could be because of the silver packaging.

One under natural light, and you can see the shimmers better in the second pic.  The colours are still pretty true.

Swatch.  Pretty neutral pink palette Awesome for Summer!

The two middle colours actually look pretty similar, but the third colour from left allows for some subtle contouring.  Totally loving the dark brown with red shimmers!  Actually this looks pretty similar to Visee’s Forming eyes in A-1.

Above: Stila ; Below: Visee

Pretty similar aren’t they? Except Stila has a more metallic finish while Visee has a shimmery bling finish.

Visee’s pink is also deeper and more vibrant.

Stila’s brown has a more reddish tint, while Visee has more chocolate brown tones.  I still thought Visee’s dark brown was quite reddish though.  But that’s alright, it’s good that these two aren’t completely the same

I also took advantage of Priceline’s sale 2-3 weeks ago and bought myself two mascaras.  I know I know.. I said I would end my mascara shopping but They were half price!

Maybelline Pulse Perfection’s brush.

I actually like this mascara.  It separates well and I find myself reaching for this one now.  I think it is mediocre in lengthening and voluming.  Just a good daily mascara.

MaxFactor False Lash Effect’s brush.  Very fat brush with short bristles.  Good combination.

I was a bit disappointed with this one.  The formula I think is a bit rubbery?  It does build length and volume, but I found the brush hard to work with and a bit difficult to get the mascara onto my eyelashes.  What I found surprising was that it didn’t really help with keeping the eyelashes neat – something I thought would happen with short bristles.  I find myself not reaching for this mascara all the time.

Lastly, I finally decided to re-organise my make up using the drawers my mum bought from Aldi XD Good old Aldi ehehehe

It’s so neat but I wish it was a bit longer or something.  It only just accomodates for the E/S.  I’m sure I can find a way to rearrange it to fit more though

Some new additions to my make up/skin care collection (picture heavy)

Ever since I started my new job, I have for some reason become more stressed, and more depressed… and as a result… shopping cravings have increased!  So I decided – STUFF IT! I’m just going to buy all the stuff I’ve been iffy about buying for the past year (except for a Lunasol or Jill Stuart eye palette… I’m still iffy-ing about those).

On top of that, I am feeling extra bored and also sick so here comes a long post to keep me busy tonight.

First I’d like to share a new eye palette my friend Ella so kindly gave me when we met up for a catch up dinner… awwwwwwww Can’t say how thankful I am ^^

Kate in BK-1.

It’s SO much better than the one I have in BR-1. The texture seems a little different and a lot more shimmery.  I’m beginning to appreciate the diamond glitter part too
The look is sort of like the Visee Blackish Forming in B3, except maybe lighter? Anyhow, LOVE!

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes in Waterproof

Oh how long I waited to buy this mascara.  The spikey ball attracted me so much, just the price drove me away at $49 AUD.  Alas, I bought it.  I was rather disappointed when I used it first as it flopped my eyelashes big time.  Definitely not something my sister would be too impressed about.  However, the second time I used it -

Actually my eyelashes didn’t turn out too bad I think I used probably 3-4 coats (I used my new Kate eyeshadow too ^^ I’ve been cursed with inward folding eyelids.. sorry for polluting your eyes I just wanted to give a picture of what the mascara does T.T)  I actually quite like this mascara and it actually can keep a curl.  Whether I would recommend to someone like my sister who will literally scream if her mascara flopped her eyelashes the tiniest bit?  I would have to think twice about that…

I also took the plunge and bought TFSI.  I am still rather… uncertain about this base.  Maybe because it is silicone based.  My E/S stayed put but colour pay off didn’t make me wow or anything.  It was crap with keeping my problem left lower lid smudge-free, my MAC paint pot was better at that.  However, there is definitely better colour pay off on the upper lids than MAC though.  So I guess I shall use TFSI on upper lids, and MAC on the bottom.. ahha.. that works. Was also using TFSI on my eye pic above.

I also moved my make up into another box recently… I think I still need to find better storage options….

Thought long and hard about buying the full sized tube because my face stung quite a lot when using the sample packet, even though results were pretty good and the sting went away once the mask dried.  The full sized tube had no such problem I love this mask, my face feels so clean afterwards ^^

I really love the packaging of Formula 10.0.6.  I got this overnight spot minimizing patch and the box it comes in looks exactly like the sachets and it’s all blue inside the box!  Comes in 4 of those sachets, 21 patches each.  They were $5 sth AUD on sale.  I probably won’t get through all of these since I don’t really have pimple prone skin, however they are always very handy in an emergency!!

Thought these would be handy too.  I don’t really like it though.  Have to wait so long for them to dry, and sometimes they don’t dry properly =.= I really want to try the asian branded ones- namely the one that is black in colour that comes in a tube, and you just smooth it over your nose and peel it off once it dries.  Pity I don’t remember the exact name of the brand

Lastly, I recently abandoned my Loreal Waterproof make up remover and changed to this one.  I kind of got sick of Loreal’s one because I had to soak two cotton pads and still have residue remaining, while Garnier seems to get my make up off easier with only one cotton pad.  I have pretty sensitive eyes, eg they went bright red when I tried Lancome’s one.  But at the same time my sister is fine with Lancome’s one but the Garnier one instead irritates her! HAHAHA  I think I’ll be sticking with this one though.

Nice, it’s nearly 9:30 now.  Time to sleep! ^^

Oo two more things before I go:

My new favourite daily facial cleanser ^^ So cheap as well.  I love the tiny beads.

Stay away from this shit!  St Ives is not a bad brand, use anything BUT this Olive scrub.  It does crap all, and the beads are horrible to wash off even though they don’t do any scrubbing at all!! It literally feels like oily cream when you apply it, but luckily it does wash off completely despite the fact it is fails as a scrub, and annoys me every time I use it.  I have to use this in the shower because of how fail the beads are at washing off.  FAIL

Ok, nite