MAC 'Viva Glam V' Lipstick + Swatches

The MAC Viva Glam V lipstick will always hold a special place in my heart because it is the first ever MAC lipstick I purchased. I chose this one because it was on a special discount online and thankfully, it is a colour that I do wear and enjoy.

MAC's Viva Glam V has a red-lined packaging instead of the classic silver as it is part of the Viva Glam collection. But like the classic MAC lipstick, it also has that yummy vanilla scent.

It is a lustre, and you can definitely tell from the shimmer apparent in the lipstick bullet itself. Thankfully, these shimmers cannot be seen when on the lips. The actual formula is very creamy and smooth.

It feels very comfortable on the lips and is very glossy, so if you're looking for a lipstick that packs a shine, this is one of them.

It is not like the majority of my lipstick collection (baby pinks or medium-pinks) but is a neutral pink with beige undertones, which I find very easy and natural to wear and could complement a lot of skin tones.

Swatches

Just look at how it catches the light! 

BARE LIPS:

WEARING  VIVA GLAM V:

So don't let the shimmer-packed tube scare you. Viva Glam V is a very wearable, natural colour that looks pink but isn't too pink. The formula is great and adds a nice sheen to the lips, and it is just an overall universally flattering shade. 

(Fun fact: I was calling it Viva Glam FOUR for a long time before realizing 'V' in roman numerals is FIVE. *sigh*   I should have listened in Maths. Who knew it would be useful when it comes to makeup?)


Available from the MAC Cosmetics Australia website for AUD$36. 

xoxo,

Sheri

Review: Oxy10 Extra Strength Vanishing Cream

My life involves being plagued with a constant, active breakout or pimple so I'm always on the search for an effective, preferably fast working spot treatment.

Yea. Thanks hormones/puberty. 

So it's about time I review the current spot treatment I've been trying for several months now.

Oxy 10 Extra Strength Vanishing Cream

Excuse the bad photo, the heatwave prevented me from taking the photo outside.

It's called "Oxy 10" because it contains 10% benzoyl peroxide which is a pretty potent dosage.
I picked it up because I thought since the concentration of benzoyl peroxide was higher than other acne treatments, it would be more effective.

Initially, I was pleased with this product. It worked pretty quickly and within 1-2 days, the pimple had significantly reduced in size. It had also begun to work on stubborn, bigger pimples so I was overjoyed.

It would also help to prevent a new breakout from sprouting and I would apply this to the area if I felt even the tiniest bump starting to form.

However, over time, I feel like it was becoming less effective. Perhaps my skin adjusted to it?

Also, because of the 10% benzoyl peroxide, it would start to insanely dry out my skin, especially since I was applying it every day. This was an issue because not only would the spot still exist, it was also dry and flaky which did not help the situation.

And I'm sure we all know what it's like trying to conceal a dry pimple with foundation. Hopeless. And gross.

I would recommend this to those who are struggling with stubborn pimples that reject all other treatment. But just be wary, that it is very drying.

I would not repurchase, and I'm looking for an effective spot treatment that will not dry out the area, so please leave any suggestions down below!

Oxy 10 and Oxy 5 (5% benzoyl peroxide) vanishing cream is available at Priceline for around AUD$15.


By the way, I'm getting very frustrated with my skin because no matter what I do, even if I do not pick at a spot, it will almost definitely leave a dark red mark behind. Any solutions?



Sheri

My Beauty Favorites of 2013!

Hello beautiful readers,

How is 2014 treating you so far? 

In this post, I'll be sharing my top beauty products that I've loved in 2013. Better late than never right?

Last year, I tried out my first ever makeup primer and cannot imagine life without it. The Arbonne Makeup Primer is a silicone-based primer that makes your skin feel buttery smooth and makes foundation application a breeze. It also keeps my makeup lasting longer.

My definite most-used foundation was the Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation. It's creamy texture and good, medium coverage worked well for me and it has good staying power. It also did not break me out, like the original Revlon Colorstay did. The shade match is pretty darn good too. 

After I finally finished up my powder of 3 years, I switched to the Australis Fresh and Flawless Pressed Powder. It's so smooth and very fine (dayum you fine) and gives really great coverage. 

2013 was the year of the breakouts for me, so I picked up the Maybelline Superstay Concealer to save my self-esteem. It's high coverage is good for spot concealing and it's staying power is impressive. 

Too many times have I stayed up late studying (or youtubing endlessly) and woken up looking hungover so the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk was a lifesaver in brightening up the inner corners of my eyes. These pencils are very creamy I prefer matte whites like Milk instead of shimmery whites in my inner corners.

One of my go-to eyeshadows last year was this little trio from Wet n Wild in Silent Treatment. My favorite kind of eyeshadows are shimmery all-over-the-lid colours and taupes, so this trio is definitely up my alley, and I love how soft and pigmented they are. 

  

Whenever I decided to wear eyeshadow, I would almost always reach for my beloved Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay. It needs no introduction, but it is full of my favorite neutral, cool-toned shades including taupes! I seriously love my taupes eg. the colour Tease

Apart from my baby lips, I've been using the EOS lip balms constantly in the morning before applying my makeup. It's just so fun to apply and the scent is great. 

At night, I've depended on the Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla and Macadamia, where its thickness and sugary-smelling goodness gives me the deep hydration my lips need at night.

I am a lip junkie so of course, I have not one, but THREE lipsticks to share. In the photo, they look similar especially the two on the right but they are different I swear. #lifeofamakeupaddict

From left to right, the Essence lipstick in All about cupcake is a great medium pink that looks very natural. Next, the Maybelline Color Whisper in Petal Rebel is a top favourite because of its baby pink colour and moisturizing properties. Also, the Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake is very moisturizing and I love the milky pinkness it brings to my lips.

All three of these have been my top shades when I just don't know what to wear and can always count on them. 

Of course, who can forget the tools that make or break our makeup application? 

My top picks for brushes include my ELF powder brush which picks up so much product at one go and the flat top just makes it so easy. 

And of course, my handy-dandy Real Techniques Buffing Brush that everyone seems to love. It is great at applying my foundation, whether it be buffing or patting in thin layers. 

Lastly, my top skincare favourites are the Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub which is a fantastic gentle exfoliant and always leaves my skin soft. And I was so glad to have discovered my current HG toner which is the T.N.Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner. It doesn't make my skin tight or too dry and is gentle enough for my very sensitive skin. It also does a good job at keeping the breakouts away. 

Sorry for such a long post but congrats to you if you made it thus far!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Sheri