Whilst Lady Cavanagh loves living in Australia she does often find herself daydreaming of Europe/America and the delight of walking through Sephora, basket in hand and credit card at the ready... Compounding the sadness at not being able to to do this as often as she would like is the frustration Lady Cavanagh experiences with the astronomical prices Australian retailers charge for the same products here.
Case in point - from Sephora the Nars Multiple sticks are US$39 yet at the Australian 'equivalent' Mecca they set you back a princely $79. Lovely products yes, but Lady Cavanagh would much rather save her pennies for high tea than spent $79 on one item.
So...after much internet research here are the places Lady Cavanagh sources her beauty products from:
Kiss and Makeup - high end makeup, skincare
www.kissandmakeupny.com
Kiss and Makeup will also include at least one sample with all orders delivered.
Brands: Nars, Mario Badescu, Kiels, Clarisonic (including the increasingly popular Clarisonic Mia)
Shipping: US$9.95 Flat rate for international shipping, regardless of weight. Mario Badescu products have a different shipping rate based on the value of products ordered. The prices listed on the website are for US and international shipping and for orders between US$1-100 shipping is US$18
Delivery time: 2-3 weeks
Skin Store - skincare, makeup, hair care
http://www.skinstore.com/
Up until recently the best place to buy the Clarisonic range, they unfortunately no longer ship the brand to Australia. Skin Store frequently has 15-20% off sales so if you're going to get something from here wait a week or so and a sale code will usually appear on the site.
Brands: Sothys, BareMinerals, Kinerase, Philosophy (Great range of products including the skin care sets and makeup), plus many more
Shipping: Flat rate of US$14.95 charged for international orders, regardless of weight.
Delivery time: 2 weeks
Cherry Culture - 'drugstore' makeup
http://www.cherryculture.com/
Create a free account which will allow you to hold items in your shopping basket (they clear very quickly otherwise), calculate shipping and accumulate rewards points (250 points = $10 voucher)
Brands: NYX (Full range and quite often on sale and cheaper than the NYX official website, which doesn't ship to Australia anyway), Milani, Eyeko (most of their range except for the nail polishes), Jordana, plus many more
Shipping: International is based on weight but isn't a set formula. For example if you bought a couple of eye pencils you'd pay around US$10 for shipping but if you added another 6 items the total cost would only increase to around US$15. The website has a shipping calculator but you need to create an account and sign in first.
Delivery time: 2 weeks or less
Strawberrynet - high end makeup, skincare, hair care, perfume
www.strawberrynet.com
Strawberrynet usually have a lot of 'left over stock' or discounted colours etc. The products are all brand new and some are sold 'unboxed' for an even cheaper rate. Great prices compared to what is available in Australia, it is well worth checking if Straweberrynet has something before hitting the shops.
You get a free gift with your first order as well as a % off depending on the number of items you have purchased. For each subsequent order placed you also get a further discount (e.g. An extra 1% off on your 2nd order, up to 10% off for your 20th order).
Strawberrynet also has an ebay store which comes from the same warehouse (free shipping and delivery time) but has specials that aren't available on their website. Lady Cavanagh picked up 2 Benefit Crease-less Cream shadows for AUD$19 when one on the Strawberrynet website is AUD$17
Brands: Too many to mention but some well known ones include Nars, Benefit, Mac, Stila
Shipping: Free!
Delivery time: Less than a week
Nail etc - nail polish, nail and hand care, polish stands
http://www.nailetc.com/
Use discount code 'TW_10' to get 10% of your total order (pre-shipping)
Brands: OPI, China Glaze, Orly, Essie; as well as many other polish brands
Shipping: Varies depending on the number of bottles you get. For 6-10 bottles international shipping is US$19.99
Delivery time: 2-3 weeks
Spa Look - skincare, makeup, hair care
http://www.spalook.com/
Brands: Very similar to Skin Store but they also carry Dermologica.
Shipping: Flat rate of US$14.95 charged for international orders, regardless of weight.
Delivery time: 2 weeks
Eyeko - exclusively Eyeko products
www.eyeko.com
All the Eyeko range is available here with the exception of their 'Tinted Cream' (which is available from Cherry Culture). If you include an Eyeko ambassador code when checking out they will also send you a free gift (the gift changes regularly but the latest offering will be listed on their website). The ambassador codes can be easily found through google.
Prices on the site can be switched between US$, GB£ or Euros €
Shipping: US$7.50 for international orders or free if you spend over US$55.
Delivery time: Less than 2 weeks
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Friday, 29 July 2011
Nars Blushes
After catching wind of one of the most publicised blushes in the world, Nars' 'Orgasm' Lady Cavanagh decided to jump aboard the bandwagon and try it for herself. Purchased in the same order was what is considered a 'sister shade' - Nars' 'Deep Throat'.
Both blushes are highly pigmented and very finely milled. This means that a little goes a long way and they are super blendable, but also buildable depending on the type of look you're going for. Another impressive quality is that when swiping your brush across the pan the blush itself doesn't become loose and spill out the sides.
'Orgasm' is the darker of the two with more of a reflective gold element. Unfortunately neither blush photographs exactly as they look in the pan so it is hard to see the gold in the picture to the right. Fairly similar to 'Orgasm' is Benefit's 'Coralista' which is still shimmery but not as gold.
'Deep Throat' leans more towards a peachy-coral. Very versatile and the kind of blush you find yourself continuing to reach for even though you have other blushes at your disposal.
Many reviewers have compared both blushes and for people with fair skin the best way to separate the two would be to say that 'Deep Throat' is more suitable for everyday wear whereas 'Orgasm' is better for nighttime or in the summer months when you're a bit more tanned and want more of a dramatic look.
If you have a reddish complexion and feel a bit scared off by cheek colour, Nars blushes are a great place to start. Because they can be applied so delicately they really leave you in control of how much blush you want to wear and don't suddenly leave you with a 'clown look' after just one swipe. Especially when blended out both these shades give you a natural 'warm complexion' which serves to complement your look rather than make your cheeks the main focus.
Nars can be purchased from strawberrynet but they have a pretty limited range and the prices aren't that much cheaper than when purchased from US sites. Lady Cavanagh highly recommends Kiss and Makeup NY (www.kissandmakeupny.com) as they carry the full range and charge US RRP (US$27) compared to Australian RRP which is currently AUD$49 - scandalous!
Both blushes are highly pigmented and very finely milled. This means that a little goes a long way and they are super blendable, but also buildable depending on the type of look you're going for. Another impressive quality is that when swiping your brush across the pan the blush itself doesn't become loose and spill out the sides.
'Orgasm' is the darker of the two with more of a reflective gold element. Unfortunately neither blush photographs exactly as they look in the pan so it is hard to see the gold in the picture to the right. Fairly similar to 'Orgasm' is Benefit's 'Coralista' which is still shimmery but not as gold.
 |
| 'Deep Throat' on the left & 'Orgasm' on the right (no flash) |
If you have a reddish complexion and feel a bit scared off by cheek colour, Nars blushes are a great place to start. Because they can be applied so delicately they really leave you in control of how much blush you want to wear and don't suddenly leave you with a 'clown look' after just one swipe. Especially when blended out both these shades give you a natural 'warm complexion' which serves to complement your look rather than make your cheeks the main focus.
Nars can be purchased from strawberrynet but they have a pretty limited range and the prices aren't that much cheaper than when purchased from US sites. Lady Cavanagh highly recommends Kiss and Makeup NY (www.kissandmakeupny.com) as they carry the full range and charge US RRP (US$27) compared to Australian RRP which is currently AUD$49 - scandalous!
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
OPI - Dating a Royal
Inspired by the Issa dress Kate Middleton wore when announcing her engagement 'Dating a Royal' is a deep blue matte polish. When applying for the first time be sure to give the bottle a good shake and beware! After the first coat the polish looks streaky and blotchy, quite different from other OPI shades after one coat. All is not lost however as after the second coat the colour transforms into a deep opaque with a surprisingly even coverage considering the appearance after the first coat.The picture below doesn't really convey the colour as well as the picture of the bottle to the left; with the image below looking quite dark and navy and not the 'milky' blue that the colour really is.
Mario Badescu
Ever see advertising campaigns aimed at different demographics and think 'how could those suckers fall for that?' but then been instantly attracted to a product and realised the same thing has happened to you? Such is the tale of Lady Cavanagh and Mario Badescu products...
It began innocently enough when Lady Cavangh received a free sample of Mario Badescu's Glycolic Eye Cream with her kissandmakeupny.com order. 'What is this?' she thought opening the small pot for the first time...fast forward a few months and Lady Cavanagh is a Mario devotee - here's why...
The products themselves are nothing remarkable to look at - simple packaging with plain names such as their popular 'Drying Lotion' for blemishes. What has made Mario Badescu a stand-out brand for Lady Cavanagh is, quite simply, they work.
In Lady Cavanagh's first order she purchased a cross section of products from across the range - below is a quick review of each...
Raspberry body scrub
As you can see from the picture below the product has a very natural look, with raspberry seeds immediately visible. The smell, however, is not a strong as one would expect (but perhaps Lady Cavanagh has been spoilt by Philosophy's 'Raspberry Sorbet' body wash) and actually comes off a little artificial.
Scent and appearance aside, when used in the shower or bath the product gives a real sense of 'cleansing and moisturizing'. The raspberry seeds are what gives it the 'scrub' element but it's not harsh on the skin and if in need of strong exfoliation this probably isn't the product for you.
Lady Cavanagh read a few reviews on the different Mario Badescu eye creams on offer before committing to this one. Descriptions of this product varied from 'suitable for mature skin' (not quite Lady Cavanagh) to 'the most moistursing eye cream'. Nevertheless, it was this product which stated Lady Cavanagh's interest in Mario so she decided to give it a try. Its certainly not suitable for day-time; the product (even when applied sparingly) is quite thick and applies a little like a 'moisturised vaseline'. Applied just before bed-time the Glycolic eye cream really works well to sooth and moisturise the under eye area and work out any fine lines from stress or dehydration. As for it's success in preventing wrinkles, only time will tell...
Helps with inflammation and active or 'soon to arrive' pimples. You use it by putting a cotton bud straight to the bottom of the bottle and then dotting the pink 'paste' onto your blemishes as the last step in your skincare routine at night. There is a definite tingle when applied and going to bed covered in pink spots isn't the greatest look, however when used for a few days it really does help reduce inflammation and redness. Try thinking of this product as a 'grown up Clearasil' - although this is called 'drying cream' it doesnt leave the whole skin area feeling 'chemically treated' the way clearasil and other prodcuts like it do.
It began innocently enough when Lady Cavangh received a free sample of Mario Badescu's Glycolic Eye Cream with her kissandmakeupny.com order. 'What is this?' she thought opening the small pot for the first time...fast forward a few months and Lady Cavanagh is a Mario devotee - here's why...
The products themselves are nothing remarkable to look at - simple packaging with plain names such as their popular 'Drying Lotion' for blemishes. What has made Mario Badescu a stand-out brand for Lady Cavanagh is, quite simply, they work.
In Lady Cavanagh's first order she purchased a cross section of products from across the range - below is a quick review of each...
Raspberry body scrub
 |
| Raspberry Body Scrub |
Scent and appearance aside, when used in the shower or bath the product gives a real sense of 'cleansing and moisturizing'. The raspberry seeds are what gives it the 'scrub' element but it's not harsh on the skin and if in need of strong exfoliation this probably isn't the product for you.Glycolic Eye Cream
Lady Cavanagh read a few reviews on the different Mario Badescu eye creams on offer before committing to this one. Descriptions of this product varied from 'suitable for mature skin' (not quite Lady Cavanagh) to 'the most moistursing eye cream'. Nevertheless, it was this product which stated Lady Cavanagh's interest in Mario so she decided to give it a try. Its certainly not suitable for day-time; the product (even when applied sparingly) is quite thick and applies a little like a 'moisturised vaseline'. Applied just before bed-time the Glycolic eye cream really works well to sooth and moisturise the under eye area and work out any fine lines from stress or dehydration. As for it's success in preventing wrinkles, only time will tell...Oil Free Moisturizer - SPF17
A great everyday moisturiser it only needs a couple of minutes to 'settle' before you can apply makeup over the top. The oil-free element is great if you are prone to breakouts as sometimes using a suncream/moisturiser and then applying makeup can be too much for sensitvie skin. This doesn't clog pores and while not enough SPF for a full day in the sun, for days when you're mainly inside but still want to know you have some sun protection, this is perfect.
Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Works well to clean thoroughly and break down makeup. You only need a small amount, which means a 20oz bottle will last for ages. The smell does take some getting used to - sometimes it smells quite chemical and others 'intense cucumber'...
The Enzyme cleansing gel definitely leaves the skin feeling soft and cleansed but not tight like the skin has been stripped. It has really helped with Lady Cavanagh's problematic skin around the chin area.
Drying Cream
Helps with inflammation and active or 'soon to arrive' pimples. You use it by putting a cotton bud straight to the bottom of the bottle and then dotting the pink 'paste' onto your blemishes as the last step in your skincare routine at night. There is a definite tingle when applied and going to bed covered in pink spots isn't the greatest look, however when used for a few days it really does help reduce inflammation and redness. Try thinking of this product as a 'grown up Clearasil' - although this is called 'drying cream' it doesnt leave the whole skin area feeling 'chemically treated' the way clearasil and other prodcuts like it do.Overall
Mario Badescu can be hard to come by in Australia, but is worth tracking down. There seem to be a lot of mixed reviews online, either from people who swear by the brand or those that think its not 'natural & organic' enough. Ultimately it comes down to what works well with your skin type. For Lady Cavanagh they are simple products that deliver on their promises and a range that she will certainly continue to use.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Eyeko Fat Balm - Strawberry
On a whim Lady Cavanagh decided to add Eyeko's Strawberry Fat Balm to her latest Cherry Culture order and she was not disappointed. Promising both an lip and cheek tint this product does exactly that, at a very reasonable price too.
First though to the smell; its a very sickly sweet scent, more 'strawberry shisha' than actual field grown strawberries, its nevertheless not too overpowering or noticeable.
Onto the product itself - when swatched on the hand it does look quite pale and does not do the Fat Balm justice when compared to the lovely colour it creates on the lips and cheeks.
Other reviewers have complained that the girth of the balm makes it hard to apply, but if put on with a steady hand you should be fine. The Fat Balm's colour has a wonderful way of making you look like you have already have pink lips rather than like you've just applied a lip gloss or similar. Lady Cavanagh likes to apply Lucas Pawpaw ointment over the top which completes the impression that she has a naturally pink pout without any outside assistance... The Fat Balm can also be layered for more of a 'lipstick look' and has pretty good staying power but isn't so much of a 'stain' as Benefit's 'Benetint'.
When using the Fat Balm as a blush it is best to apply it sparingly and dot it across the apples of your cheeks before blending so as to avoid applying too much product. When applying the Fat Balm as a blush and lip colour at the same time it gives a lovely 'flushed' look without appearing too artificial.
Overall Eyeko's Fat Balm is perfect for those days when you don't want to look too 'made up' but want to avoid people asking "Are you feeling ok?" (Answer: "Yes, this is just what I look like with no makeup on. Yes I really am this pale..."). Its also great for middle of the day touch ups when your blush has faded a little, but being at work you don't necessarily want to bust out makeup brushes and a blush palette.
Lady Cavanagh was so impressed she has already ordered another two Fat Balms (in Cherry and Frosting).
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