Lit by candlelight: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light

It started with Ethereal Light -- I was left wanting to try the rest. Luminous Light gives your skin a golden glow; not the sort from wearing bronzer or self-tanner, but a "oh my, you're skin is glowing." From what I can remember from my lighting class I took in university, incandescent light is produced from heat. Tungsten is a filament used for its ability to heat up to really high temperatures, at its peak it "burns"/glows brightly. If your face were to get illuminated by this sort of light source, you'd have a happy, shiny glow. Think about sitting around the fire and the way your face feels as it's licked by the heat.

For those days when you can't sit circled around the fire with your nearest and dearest friends, brush on Luminous Light.

Luminous Light

Swatch of Luminous Light

The key is to use a small amount on very specific places. Using a large, fluffy face brush, lightly dust Luminous Light across your forehead, next hit your cheekbones and then apply the remnants on your nose and chin.

illuminated by natural daylight

Some believe Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder is overrated, I just think they haven't found the shade they're after.

But who am I to say?

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light:

• $62.00 AUS / $45.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — It's always in my makeup bag. Whenever I apply it in the locker room, women stop and stare at the pan.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I want to buy every brush Hourglass has on offer, but that wouldn't be very economical for me.

Today's swatch: Laura Mercier's Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour in Sexy

Sexy

At first glance, Sexy resembles Crayola's 'red' crayon and the red ink in my Dad's faded Marine tattoo.

Currently testing, review to follow.

Have you tried Laura's latest lip creation? This is my first dip in the Mercier pond.

Coat your lashes with Kevyn Aucoin's The Mascara Volume

I have a love/hate relationship with mascara -- I love to wear it, but hate that it smudges, flakes, doesn't do what it promises and stings my sensitive eyes. Over the last few years I've been a commitment-phobe with mascara, just when I think I'm on the brink of reaching salvation, something manages to disappoint me. My lashes are nothing special; fair in colour, regular in length and have an okay curl to them. Most days I don't take issue with skipping mascara, but it's nice having the option.

During a recent trip to my local Mecca, I randomly happened upon Kevyn Aucoin's The Mascara Volume.

The Mascara Volume

Kevyn Aucoin's forumla is categorized as a tubing mascara. Instead of simply painting mascara on, the petite brush encapsulates each lash with fibre -- think of it like a sword being placed in its sheath. Once dry, The Mascara Volume stays in place, refuses to flake, smudge or smear.

The applicator

Another bonus feature of the brush is its ability to really get in there. With a gentle wriggle of the wand, the lashes separate while getting hugged by black mascara.

Swatch of The Mascara Volume

Close up of my lashes

Removal is easy. I place a cotton round soaked with Bioderma's Solution Micellaire (warm water works well too) over my eye and hold it in place for 10 seconds or so and gently wipe downwards in order to pull the mascara off. It comes off in threads -- it's a bit freaky and reminds me of spider legs.

The only downside to this particular mascara is that it molts off while I exercise. The sweat trickles down my face and takes the mascara with it. Sometimes I have to do a quick check in the mirror to make sure I don't have raccoon eyes.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Kevyn Aucoin's The Mascara Volume:

• $40.00 AUS / $25.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — despite it melting off at the gym, I love the natural lash effect I get whenever I wear it.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• More than anything, I'd love to buy one of his books.

Beauty in a tick: Gorgeous Cosmetics Cheek Creme in Strawberries & Cream

This miracle in a pot gives you colour in an instant.

Gorgeous Cosmetics Cheek Creme in Strawberries & Cream is aptly named -- it's the moment when the creme melds with the macerated strawberries. Tasty, sweet and gives you a glow. It's another, "I'll have what she's having" situation.

Swatches of Strawberries & Cream applied heavily (left) and sheered out (right)

Wearing Strawberries  & Cream

My natural, sugarcoated flush can thank my handy digits. I warmed the smallest amount of product on my right ring finger and dabbed until I achieved the pretty pink sheen you see above.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Gorgeous Cosmetics’ Cheek Creme in Strawberries & Cream:

• $35.00 AUS / $35.00 USD -- I purchased my newest love for 40% off.

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — another knockout!

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• They now carry all these brands! It's like a mini Sephora :)