Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Affordable Cleansing Brush System - ModelsPrefer Facial Cleansing Brush



Recently Priceline had a 40% off skincare sale and of course I just had to have a look. Among the many things I purchased over the two day long sale, I grabbed myself a facial cleansing brush. I was debating between two Sonic Skin systems or this one (ModelsPrefer). All of these were on clearance and were not actually included in the sale but I just couldn't resist the markdowns on the prices! The other two systems were slightly more expensive and I couldn't justify spending so much on a system if it wasn't guaranteed to work or do what it claims to. 

The Models Prefer Clear Out! Facial Cleansing Brush was only $16! An absolute bargain.



Each system comes with four seperate brush head attachments each with a different purpose and use. One normal brush head (which can also be used all over the body because it is much more coarse), a sensitive brush head with much softer bristles, a pad used to moisturize the skin and a massaging head. 

  
Pictured below are the brush heads (from top to bottom): Normal, Moisturising, Massage and Sensitive.



 Here is the head I use the most:


The reason I use this one the most is because I am an absolute exfoliation junkie and do it every day, sometimes even twice a day. I just love the way it makes my skin look and how much more clear it appears. The sensitive brush head is fantastic and does it's job well however, I feel like it doesn't exfoliate enough even with my product on it (but that's just me). So I use the normal one a few days a week instead but it is much more intense on the skin so in between I do choose to use the Sensitive one to avoid harming my skin and creating abrasions.


Final verdict:
There are a few minor cons with this product. I purchased it assuming that because it is a larger brush that it would then be a spinning brush system however there was nothing saying that it was and so my disappointment about that was my own fault. 
The product also runs on two AA batteries (not included) and therefore is not rechargeable which may annoy some people but it isn't a problem for myself. The less cords hanging around the bathroom and beauty room the better!

I have been using this product for almost a week now alongside my normal skincare products (Sukin, Dermalogica, etc) and overall I really do love it. For $16 this is an amazing product and does everything it claims to. My skin is much more clear and I just love feeling like my products are working deeper into my skin when cleansing and exfoliating. I won't be concerned if it doesn't last too long because it wasn't a big splurge purchase but it has last being used in the shower and accidentally being ran under the tap too so far! Not the I recommend doing this on a regular basis though.


These are available at Priceline so if you're interested, go on in and grab one while you still can!



Friday, June 12, 2015

Face of the Day: 11/6



On the face: 
Garnier 5 Second Miracle Blur
Chi Chi Cosmetics CC Cream in Medium
Bujoirs Healthy Mix Serum in 51
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 15 Fair
E.L.F Studio Concealer Kit in Dark
Mineralogie Bronzer
NYX Cosmetics Blush in Mocha
Sleek Cosmetics Contour & Highlight Duo in Light (Both powders used)
Face of Australia Setting Powder in Translucent

On the brows:
E.L.F Studio Kit in Ash
Australis Cosmetics Tint My Brow in Blonde
Essence Cosmetics Clear Mascara

On the eyes:
Kat Von D gold eyeshadow from the Saint Palette
Napoleon Perdis Bronze Patrol
Essence I Love Extreme Mascara
Living Doll Lashes in Bedroom Eyes

On the lips:
Natio Lipliner in Lotus
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Saint Germaine
B.Y.S Pink Lipgloss

Emma xx

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

How To Remove Hair Dye (Red) From Hair Without Damage

Please remember before reading this that this is just a post regarding how I dyed my own hair. I have made this post due to popular demand. I am in no way encouraging others to do the same. I have not included brands or volumes of dyes used. I did however want to share this little trick I discovered that worked quite well with all of you. It isn’t as harmful like bleach and if it saves someone jumping straight into trying to lift red out of their hair with that then I’m all for it. 

*R E A D  M E* 
Please ensure that you follow this up with conditioning, treatments and the same care as you would normally with any other process on your hair. I am not responsible for anyone's treatment of their hair following this process.


So if you guys know me in real life or follow my YouTube channel or any social media, you’d know that a few months ago I chose to ditch the black locks and try out red. 

I was totally aware that red can be a high maintenance colour majority of the time and that it is also quite a pain to lift out of your hair. Knowing this, I made the decision to start prepping my hair to be dyed. As well as following the steps I did in my video, for about two weeks prior to doing that I was using shampoos that strip your hair (Pantene, Head & Shoulders, etc) as well as using dish washing detergent twice over that period of time (Morning Fresh). Sounds scary I know, but I'd rather do that than bleach right away.

Recently I decided that I've had enough of the red because I was finding it too hard to get it exactly how I wanted it to be. I’m a big perfectionist so it doesn’t surprise me that I reacted that way. Anyway, over a month ago I began prepping my hair yet again for another big change. I had done plenty of treatments and used my trusty protein shampoo and conditioners for a while as well as having a few inches cut off my hair (just below my ear lobes) so it was nice and healthy.

Once I was ready I began using dish washing detergent once or twice every now and again (followed by extreme conditioning treatments, don’t freak out everyone). I also used baby shampoos and the same stripping shampoos as previously used. Just these two steps faded the red an incredible amount, it was crazy! It was also exactly what I wanted to happen. My idea was to try and lift as much of this pain in the butt red as I could without needing to bleach my hair and this is why I started doing these steps so far in advance to dying my hair.

Next I decided to try something a little weird (yes, weirder than using dishwashing liquid on my head)… I wasn’t sure if it would work but I had a whole container of the stuff I never used and thought to myself “worth a shot”.

This stuff that I’m talking about having a whole tub of is Vitamin C tablets. Yes, Vitamin C. The vitamins that I and many others used to eat like sweets as a kid. Vitamin C lifted the red hair dye out of my hair.

Now I’m not saying this made me blonde so don’t expect it to do this for you and I did do this 3 times. However, it did completely lift all of the red off my recently dyed roots and also off my ends, my mid-lengths were a lot more stubborn because of the product build up on them from the amount of dye I’d used previously over time. My mid-lengths hey ended up more of a peach and yellow blonde colour compared to the rest.


Here are the simple steps of how I used it:
  1.  I ground and crushed up Vitamin C tablets (how many you use is up to you but I recommend more than 10).
  2.  I then combined the powder and crumbs into a dye bowl (any bowl will do) with baby shampoo and mixed until it became a slightly thicker paste.
  3.  I then applied the mixture to towel dried hair and left for about 20 minutes.



                                                         Here it is after the first application:


 Here it is after the 3rd application, before the bleach bath:     

That’s it. That is absolutely all I did. After washing the first application I was so surprised with the results I then did it again two days later and for a longer period of time. Of course, protein and conditioning treatments then followed as usual. Not that they were really that necessary however I always do it just as a safety measure (Ha ha, yes… the girl who does her hair at home is talking about safety measures).

I've been told recently by friends that have tried this that it actually has worked on other colours too, both natural (browns and blacks) and unnatural (green, pink, orange, blue). Amazing!

Once I was done with that process I then did one bleach bath. I didn’t need to leave this on too long, I just continued to work it in every now and again while it was on to ensure all my hair was covered in the mixture. After removing that my hair was light enough to have the dye I wanted over it.
Now, I didn’t do this straight away. I left it for about two weeks and took great care of it, wearing wigs over the top in public so I didn’t need to use product or heat on it.

Without going into the levels that were used I applied a light ash blonde crème colour over my hair and extensions (I followed every step on them that I did to my own hair). The final results are quite close to my own natural colour but not as blonde. I more so chose to use a cool toned dye to cancel out as much of the remaining warm tones until I was happy with it. Eventually I will be changing my hair again but not for many, many months… Certainly not dark again for a long time (as much as ‘the dark side’ is always tempting me).

Before: 


After:








































So there it is, my latest ‘hair transformation’ and a nifty little trick for anyone that wants to drastically fade red or bright dyes from their hair without bleaching it! I do admit I will miss the red but I felt that it only looks nice in certain lighting or in photos with flash.

What do you guys think? Are you a fan or do you prefer the red? Feel free to let me know!











Monday, May 18, 2015

Cruelty Free Mink False Lashes - Living Doll Lashes



























At the end of last week I was lucky enough to be sent two pairs of Mink lashes from a company by the name of Living Doll Lashes. I was able to choose two styles of my choice out of their entire range. I chose the styles Flirt Alert and Bedroom Eyes (and I’ll be going back for more). 

ABOUT LIVING DOLL LASHES:
Living Doll Lashes is based in Melbourne, Australia, and founded by a professional make-up artist with a true lash addiction and deep passion for beauty and fashion.
With extensive experience and a great understanding of clients’ requirements, her mission began to create a brand of mink fur lashes of the upmost quality and comfort, which would provide a sense of confidence in those who wear them.
Offering a range of different lash options for style, length and volume, Living Doll Lashes have ensured suitability for all women and will help you achieve your desired look, whether it be for daily wear or a special occasion.



I have to say that before even receiving the products I was beyond impressed with the company and how they handle everything. The customer service is exceptional. Fast replies, personal responses and just lovely to talk to. An issue did arise during my purchasing but that was my own fault (oops). I thought I might apply for a PRO account but by being logged in to my account and proceeding to checkout, I made my coupon code invalid. I emailed their information address and straight away I had a reply and the problem was solved within a mere few hours. Once again, that was something I had done and nothing to do with the company themselves. They resolved it fast nonetheless!



The lashes arrived in a secure, well-padded bag and there wasn’t one bit of damage to the packaging. The boxes were also individually wrapped in bubble wrap ensuring there would be no damage to the products.
The boxes are a beautiful green teal colour with a faint and elegant design along with gold writing inside and out. Since the boxes are a hard cardboard almost material I was worried they wouldn’t stay closed and my lashes may fall out when I store them, however on the lip of the boxes there is a small magnet inside that keeps it closed once the lid is down.





Each box comes with a small booklet that includes all of their links but also instructions for use and care directions to get the most out of your lashes.



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THE LASHES


Pair #1: Flirt Alert (http://livingdolllashes.com/product/flirt-alert/)
Price: $29.95
Category: Medium Volume

Length:
8mm – 15mm
Band:
Cotton Thread
Type:
Mink Hair



PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
"FLIRT AND FLAUNT - YOU'RE FABULOUS!"

All eyes will be on you when you’re looking flirtatious and fabulous wearing these alluring lashes. In Flirt Alert, we aimed to create the ultimate girl-next-door look with a delicate collection of crisscrossing furs, boasting an incredible curl and a subtle flare on the ends to open up the eyes and give a fresh-faced, bright-eyed look. This is the true definition of LASH ENVY!

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Pair #2: Bedroom Eyes (http://livingdolllashes.com/product/bedroom-eyes/)
Price: $29.95
Category: Full Volume

Length:
4mm – 14mm
Band:
Cotton Thread
Type:
Mink Hair

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

"DARE TO BE SEDUCTIVELY GLAMOROUS!"

If you want to be daring and create an unforgettable seductive look, then these are your go-to lashes! Bedroom Eyes are all about adding intense depth and beautiful drama. The bold crisscrossing clusters add instant glamour to any make-up style. Amp up your look with a dark smokey eye and killer winged liner. Seduction is all in the eyes!

         ---

Below I’ve also included some of the questions that I have been asked so far that they have answered in their FAQ sections (http://livingdolllashes.com/faqs/)

1. What is the difference between mink and synthetic false lashes?

The significant difference between Mink and Synthetic lashes is the quality. Mink lashes are made of 100% natural mink fur, they are super lightweight and have a natural glossy shine. Their cotton thread band ensures flexibility and a comfortable wear for all eye shapes. Mink lashes can also be curled like your own lashes and can be worn up to 25 times.
Synthetic lashes are heavy to wear and can be irritating to the eye, they look unnatural and fake, and although they may seem to be a cheaper option they are not made for longevity and can only be worn a few times.

2. What are mink lashes?

Mink lashes are created with the fur from the Siberian Mink animal. During their seasonal shedding period, the live mink is gently brushed to collect the delicate furs. The furs are sterilized to ensure they are hypoallergenic and then hand crafted onto a cotton band. Living Doll Lashes are free from any chemical processing.
We would also like to make public that no harm is done to these animals.

3. How many styles of Living Doll Lashes are available?

Living Doll Lashes offer 14 different styles, which have all been custom designed to have their own individual look, making them perfect for any occasion.

4. What colour are Living Doll Lashes?

Living Doll Lashes are 100% free from chemical processing so they are a natural black-brown colour with a beautiful glossy shine.

5. How many times can I reuse my Living Doll Lashes?

With the correct care and maintenance, Living Doll Lashes can be worn up to 25 times and will maintain their shape and form. Due to the nature of the product, some natural shedding may occur over time.

6. Is eyelash adhesive included with my purchase?

No, eyelash adhesive is not included with your purchase. We recommend using Duo™ which is waterproof and long-lasting.

7. Can I apply mascara to my Living Doll Lashes?

We highly recommend against applying mascara to mink lashes as this can ruin the quality of the fur and shorten the life span of the lashes. If you would like to add more volume, apply mascara to your natural lashes before applying your Living Doll Lashes.

8. Can I curl my Living Doll lashes?

Absolutely! As Living Doll Lashes are made of 100% mink fur, you can curl them as you would your own.

9. How do I care for my Living Doll Lashes?

When you’re removing your Living Doll Lashes, gently pull them from the outer corners. Be sure to be as gentle with them as you were when you were applying. After removing your Living Doll Lashes, carefully remove the glue to ensure a clean band for the next application.
Keep your lashes safe by always storing them in their original Living Doll box.

10. Can I swim or shower with my Living Doll Lashes?

No, we don’t recommend swimming or showering whilst wearing your Living Doll Lashes as water can damage your lashes and limit the number of uses.

---

Overall, I love these lashes. They feel amazing and are so lightweight and natural looking no matter how full the volume or long the length. The customer service has won me over, along with the way the brand represents itself. The fact you get personal responses is great. You're not treated like your just another customer and that you aren't important to them. They realize you can't have a successful business without great customer care.

There is however one con to these... This con purely comes down to my clumsiness; After years and years of synthetic lash handling and usage you really, really do need to remember to take care of and with these products. They are 100% real Mink hair. You need to be gentle. Synthetic lashes can withstand more because of the fact that they are fake hair. Real hair is fair more fragile and can shed if you pull at it or are rough with it. This is something everyone needs to remember but it's extremely easy to get use to it after a few uses. For the price ($29.95 per pair) and the fact they last up to 25 uses with proper care I think these are well worth the price. 
They also have a fantastic rewards system for all customers; for every pair you purchase you earn one star. Once you reach 10 stars you can purchase a pair of your choice for no cost at all! 
I will be purchasing more lashes and supporting this brand for a long time. 




Living Doll Lashes’ Links:
Email: info@livingdolllashes.com




NOTE:
THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST. I AM IN NO WAY BEING PAID FOR MY POSTS OR OPINIONS. ALL COMMENTS STATED IN THIS POST ARE MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION.