Floral Stamped Mani

Hey guys, this second post of mine is a (relatively successful) stamping mani.
I’ve only recently mastered the stamping technique and can take a little bit of getting used to.

This was my finished product. I had hoped that the gold I had stamped with would stand out more but alas. I began with a quick coat of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hardener followed by 2 coats of Revlon Perfumerie Collection Bordeaux. I used Konad Stamping plate M71 (the floral design in the top right corner) with OPI Bling Dynasty. All of this topped of with 2 coats of Sally Hansen Triple Shine Top Coat.

Here are some close up pictures of the pattern. Instead of being a stark contrast with the gold against the pinkish red it kind of gave it a subtle shimmery effect.

All in all I quite like it, the pattern kind of reminds me of floral wallpaper which is pretty cool. The colours do work well together even if it isn’t quite like I imagined it being. Though, when is anything like we plan it?

Till next time,
Miss K x

Coming soon to Australia! Colorburst Matte & Lacquer Balms: Swatches & Review

Exciting news for Australian “drugstore” cosmetics, the followup products to Revlon’s incredible popular Just Bitten Kissible Balm stains; the ColorBurst Matte Balms and ColorBurst Lacquer Balms are coming to our stores in March.

After reading multiple confirmations that the products were coming here on the Revlon Australia facebook page, I have been keeping my eyes out for new displays. My local Priceline (Brisbane City) has put in new Revlon stands with spots for the lacquer and matte balms! they are currently empty, but from the looks of things they will share the same RRP as the Just Bitten range (approx $17.95)
Chemist Warehouse currently has them listed on their website for $14.99 (Reg $17.95), but state they are only available in store currently (They weren’t in stock my my local store however)

On a side note, The Just Bitten range is now under the ColorBurst line!

I managed to snag some of both ranges after they first appeared in the USA, and so I thought now would be a great time to share some swatches in case you want to grab some yourself!

My collection of Matte and Lacquer balms!

There are ten shades in each range, the shades in bold are the ones I currently own.
Matte Balm shades: Sultry (Darker toned pink with hints of brown and purple), Showy (Hot Pink), Unapologetic (Red toned hot pink),Audacious (Coral), Shameless (Purple/Aubergine), Elusive (Cool toned light pink), Complex (Peachy Nude, leaning pink rather than orange), Standout (Classic red with berry tones), Mischievous (Nude with heavy orange tones), Striking (Neutral medium red, not as dark as Standout)

Lacquer Balm shades: Coquette (Barbie-esque pink), Coy (Plum with brown undertones), Demure (Light pink), Enticing (crimson), Flirtatious (Dark pink),Ingenue (Nude),Provocateur (Hot berry pink), Tease (Coral with heavy orange tones), Vivacious (Cherry Red), Whimsical (Magenta)

Matte Swatches L to R: Standout, Sultry, Striking, Unapologetic

Matte Balms (Artificial Light)

Matte Balms (Natural Light)

Lacquer Swatches L to R: Enticing,Provocateur, Flirtatious, Coquette

Lacquer Balms (Artificial light)

Lacquer Balms (Natural light)

As you can see, the colour payoff from the matte balms is significantly greater than that of the lacquer balms. Flirtacious in particular is very obviously sheer on the lips, and the glitter pieces are a bit odd. Each of the swatches is 4 swipes across my wrist.

Both have a staying power of a few hours, and do leave behind a slight stain. Like the just bitten range, these have a mild peppermint scent.

Overall I prefer the matte balms, and would like to add to my collection.

Sorry I wasn’t brave enough to swatch on my lips! (Yet)
Which ones are you thinking about adding to your lip stash? I definitely need to grab elusive and complex when I find them on sale!

-Miss A

EDIT (16/03): I have today spotted the Matte and Lacquer Balms on display in Brisbane’s Queen Street Myer!
All lip products are currently 2 for $25 so you don’t have to feel too guilty about snapping them up straight away!

My attempt at a valentines manicure…

Okay,
Seeing as today is February the 14th, I thought it would only be appropriate to show my valentines day theme manicure. Which I decided my idea at one point was taking waaaay too long so changed tactics half way through.

This hand shows the second attempt, which looks much more together than my first hand (despite the wonky hearts).

You can see I started attempting to do a love heart pattern (that kind of looks like little clouds) and  got bored so changed to a row of hearts (this one even wonkier than the last, haha).

I used 1 coat of Sally Hansen – Hard as Nails Hardener as a base coat
1 coat of Revlon Parfumerie – China Flower (This goes on sooo smoothly and was opaque in just one coat!)
Several coats of NYC Long Wearing – 134 French White (This does not go on so smoothly… I haven’t figured out if it is my misapplication of it or the nail polish itself – I’m thinking it’s me)
And topped it off with 1 coat of Sally Hansen – Hard as Nails Hardener

I created the little hearts using a dotting tool; as shown by this tutorial from The Beauty Department http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/02/i-heartchoo/

Trying to do a full nail of a pattern takes some serious willpower, so it’s obviously going to take some time if you want to attempt it.

Can definitely recommend China Flower (Full review of some of the Parfumerie collection coming soon!)

Happy Valentines Day!

-Miss K