⋆ Haul: Priceline 40% off Skincare and Mecca Loop Box Lvl 1

It's been a while since I've done a haul post; but recently Priceline had a 40% off sale and the Mecca Loop boxes came out so I was extremely excited! I'll just be showing you the things I've picked up but I won't be saying much on them because I haven't used anything yet but for items that I've tried before - I'll give you a short review!

Mecca Beauty Loop Box Level 1
This was my very first ever Mecca Loop Box and I was extremely excited, even though I knew they were literally going to be sample sachets - it was really the excitement of what was going to be included that really got to me. I've seen what was in the level 2 and level 3 boxes and wow, I'm extremely jealous if you got those boxes!

If you didn't know, this is Mecca's reward system for its loyal shoppers, you basically have to spend a certain amount each year to elevate to a level (there are three levels)- the more you spend, the higher your level which means better things in your boxes! The boxes come four times a year, you can make your Mecca Beauty Loop Card in stores and activate it online and when the boxes are ready, you will be notified.

Anywho, lemme give you the deets on what was included;

• Too Faced - Better than sex Mascara 
• Josie Maran Cosmetics - Pure Argan Milk Treatment 
• Origins - Modern Friction Natures Gentle Dermabrasion 
• Clinique - Pep-Start Eyecream

Out of the four samples I received, I'm most looking forward to trying the mascara and the eyecream.

Priceline 40% off Skincare Sale
Priceline recently had a 40% off sale on their skincare, as I looked at my stash of skincare I realised that everything would be finished within the next month so I knew I had to stock up now! I didn't get to grab everything I wanted because they were all sold out before I could get to them. Priceline has these sales a few times a year for both makeup and skincare so don't fret it if you didn't get anything this time around!

But here's what I picked up:

• St Ives - Apricot Scrub in the Blemish Control Version - I've been through maybe 3 tubes of this scrub before and its always done my skin wonders. Keeps it smooth and clear. Would not recommend for sensitive skin people though as it might be a bit too harsh.
• T.N. Dickinson's - Witch Hazel - I haven't used this toner for about 3 years but back when I did, my skin was at its clearest and now my skin is acting up a little so I'd like to go back to my OG items.
• Neutrogena - Fresh Foaming Cleanser - I've never used this before but from the reviews I read, it seemed pretty good. It claims to be able to take off your most stubborn of waterproof mascaras! I wear makeup most of the time so a double cleanse with this should be easier than using an oil then a cleanser.

♡ Review and Swatch: Colourpop Super Shock Shadows - Fringe, Lovely, La La and Kathleenlights

I previously did a quick colourpop haul post a few months ago - you can see it here, but since then I've bought more stuff (shadows, lippie stixs and some highlighters). Today I'll be showing you a few more swatches of the Super Shock Shadows that I've since gotten but be warned, all of these colours fall in the same colour family - champagnes/rose/rose-golds!

The colours that will be featured today are; Kathleenlights, La La, Lovely and Fringe

I don't think it'll be necessary to describe the colours to you as you can see them from the pictures better than I could ever describe them.

My Verdict:

I think the colours are beautiful and the formula and textures are quite unique. But the problem I have with the formula is that some of the colours are already starting to dry out and I've only had them for a few months. Also since these apply more opaque and true to colour with your fingers, I don't reach for these that often. I find that some of the colours apply well with brushes and others don't pick up at all, I'm definitely more of a traditional powder eyeshadow type of gal because I find that the easiest to work with. Most likely I will not be buying anymore of Colourpop's eyeshadows but I do quite like their lippie stixs and highlighters!

⋆ First Impressions: Revlon Colorstay Oily/Combination Skin in Buff ⋆

You guys have no idea how long I've wanted to try this foundation out! I've always heard so many good things about this foundation - I got too excited to use this so for today I will be doing a first impressions review. I'll update you guys in the future if it has replaced my holy grail Estee Lauder Double Wear or not.

What It Claims To Do:

Longwearing coverage with a lightweight formula that won't cake, fade, or rub off. With Time Release Technology specifically formulated for combination or oily skin to control oil absorption and shine. Your look stays flawless throughout the day. - Revlon

Shade Comparisons:

** I'm about 2 shades darker than usual, I'm usually an NC15, I also have oily, acne-prone skin**

Foundation Demo:

The foundation was applied with a brush for maximum coverage (2 thin layers were applied) then smoothed over with a damp sponge for a flawless finish. 

Thoughts:

• The shade is a bit light for me now because I literally just got 2 shades darker from the beach, otherwise it would have been perfect. Buff is a neutral colour, if you are the more on the NC10 side I would suggest the lighter shade "ivory". ALSO it didn't oxidise on me, so hooray!! If the colour looks darker then it is because I used a darker powder and a bronzer to match my face to my neck
• The consistency is thicker than Estee Lauder but still feels lightweight on the  skin while providing good coverage 
• The foundation looks more "smooth" and seamless with a sponge and builds better with a sponge. One layer with a brush looks beautiful but when it's built up it starts to look more makeup-y
• Doesn't emphasise pores or textures
• Has more of a natural matte/satin finish than a flat matte 
• Doesn't keep me as matte as Estee Lauder but the oil doesn't break down the product, blotted at the 4 hr mark and the 8hr mark. It was not necessary to blot every 4hrs as the sheen was beautiful and natural but I would assume that every 6hr interval (without blotting) is when my face would start to look really greasy
• I'm posting this at the 11hr mark and honestly, the foundation hasn't changed all day except for some wear on the nose. You can just apply some powder then you'd be good to go
• Doesn't transfer when I blot my face with a tissue AND it doesn't break me out (so far)
• Looks great in natural outdoor lighting!

♡ Review: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

I've always struggled with oily skin, clogged pores and textures - so I'm always on the hunt for something that can combat these issues. So when I received this mask as a gift I was extremely keen to try it out! I've heard a lot of great things about this mask, Innisfree is known for their more natural stance towards beauty, promoting the idea that their beauty line is more natural and eco-friendly than their competing brands. I've always been a bit sceptical about these more natural brands because I thought their products would be too gentle for my oily, acne-prone skin. But I have to say, I'm quite impressed with that this mask does for my skin - so I'm looking forward to discovering more amazing products from Innisfree.

What the product claims to do:

1. Jeju volcanic clay is made from minerals released by volcanic explosions in Jeju. It's categorised as a preserved alkaline resource and its effective in removing sebum and other impurities.
2. The mask exfoliates and removes dead skin cells. The AHA ingredient chemically exfoliates and smooths out the skin.
3. The strong absorption of sebum and cooling effect of the clay refreshes the skin and contracts pores.

Pros:

• Soothes my breakouts, calms the skin and reduces the redness 
• The pores are visibly reduced
• After 1 use my skin felt extremely detoxified and smooth, my textures were reduced 
• The mask is affordable at around $21AUD
• Basically it does everything it claims to do 
• Using this mask about 2-3 times a week, my blemishes are reduced, and it keeps my skin clear and clean - I don't break out often anymore with the use of this mask
• This tub will last you for a good 3-4 months - you only need a thin layer all over your face

Cons:

• The packaging gets messy and annoying the more you use it, since its in a tub form you have to dig your fingers inside - which is also quite unhygienic 
• You literally have to scope the product out with your fingers, and eventually your nails (which irks me a little)

You can purchase it here.

Rating: 5/5

[ theBalm Mary-Lou Manzier ] - Is It Worth the Hype?

I wanted this highlighter because I've heard so much rave about it from the youtube community that I just needed to try it for myself - but how did I get it? I won a bowling match against my boyfriend HAHA (you should never underestimate a girls power when she has a highlighter on the line)! Lets keep this post short and sweet since I've been throwing long winded ones at you for the past few weeks.

Pros:

• Pigmented and smooth, doesn't emphasise textures, pores or dryness 
• It's a beautiful champagne-gold colour, it has enough gold in it to give warmth to the colour but not too much that it's too dark for me 
• It's a beautiful natural type of glow/sheen, almost like a "glow from within" type of appearance, not shimmery or glittery at all - it's similar to the look of the Becca highlighters but for half of the price
• A lot of skin tones will be able to wear this as the base colour is not white or silver, so it won't look ashy on darker (medium-tan skintones), at least that is what I have observed from watching 10000+ youtube videos! But of course, always do your research beforehand 
• This highlighter looks beautiful when it is applied sheer but looks amazzzzzing when it is piled on, it doesn't appear to get powdery or cakey with layers
• Really affordable at about $30AUD

Cons:

• It is always sold out in Australia 

Rating: 5/5