Cheap & Reliable: EcoTools Airbrush Concealer Brush

Airbrush Concealer Brush

Where have you been hiding? And who knew I was looking past such a trusty brush‽

Their "Earth-Friendly" ethos extends to their products in terms of quality and composition. Comprised of a bamboo handle, recycled aluminium and soft artificial bristles, these cruelty-free brushes are where it's at.

On a whim I purchased the Airbrush Concealer Brush to replace my much-loved Deluxe Concealer Brush -- I wanted a far more petite brush head that has the ability to sneak and sweep in and around the eye area.

Another amazing thing about this brush is it doesn't steal product. I found the Deluxe Concealer Brush, while useful, glommed onto more product than it should; therefore, depriving my eyes of much-needed coverage. Talk about product wastage, too!

EcoTools' Airbrush Concealer Brush is a diamond in the rough. I've been known to drop beaucoup bucks for makeup brushes, but I think EcoTools really has something special to offer.

The Bagful breakdown: 

Total amount for Philosophy's Miracle Worker:

• $8.99 AUS / $3.99 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags -- a mighty workhorse

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I wonder if they offer something similar to MAC's 217?

Philosophy's Miracle Worker - did it change my perspective?

Philosophy's Miracle Worker

I'm super lazy when bedtime rolls around and anything that stands in the way of my head hitting the pillow is viewed as a major stumbling block. The next day's work clothes wind up not getting ironed, my lunch is left unmade and my gym bag remains unpacked. Lots of 'uns' and I often convince myself I can scurry my hyde in the wee hours -- let's be honest, in reality I don't. I'm an immovable lump in the AM, just ask Scott.

Despite all this, I do manage to wash off the day's war paint from my face. So I figured, as long as it didn't take up too much time, I'd treat my skin to Philosophy's Miracle Worker. It only takes a few swipes, right?

Without getting too Science-y on you, I'll attempt to explain what a retinoid is. Retinoids are closely related to Vitamin A (hence, why you sometimes see the letter 'A' referenced; Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, bones and other soft tissues). Retinoids aid with cell turnover, which is something that slows as we age. In order to combat matured skin, a product such as Miracle Worker attempts to turn back the hands of time.

What else does Miracle Worker do? Philosophy stated the following..

 "In an independent clinical study based on 4 weeks of use, 92% of subjects showed improvement in overall signs of ageing: reduces skin discolouration, restores a healthy glow to dull skin and revitalises the appearance of sun-damaged skin."

It's been almost eight weeks since I started using Miracle Worker and I really see no difference. Perhaps, I think, I'm not the intended demographic. In 10 years' time it might be worthwhile for me to reintroduce Miracle Worker to my skin.

No harm, no foul -- it's just not my time. 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Philosophy's Miracle Worker:

• $95.00 AUS / $73.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• I can't accurately rate this product.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Recently I repurchased Philosophy's Amazing Grace. It's like taking a whiff of a cloud.

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own. 

//Sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinoid 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002400.htm 

Beauty in a tick (Hawaiian style) - Anara Spa's cocomango body lotion

Whenever I go on vacation I always make a point of visiting the travel aisle to stock up on miniature toiletries, especially on items I wouldn't normally go for. However, once I've reached my intended destination I wind up, more often than not, reaching for the hotels' offerings.

While staying at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai I repeatedly gravitated toward Anara Spa's Cocomango Body Lotion; the smell screams, "you're on vacation, please use me every chance you get and be sure to smuggle my sisters into your shower kit -- you won't regret it."

The light salmon pink hued lotion saturates your sun drenched skin and brings it back to a properly hydrated state. You're also left with smooth skin, the only detectable remnant is the scent. It's as if a coconut swallowed a mango, truly, and made its way onto your skin.

Several sample sized bottles wouldn't do, so I trekked back to the spa and purchased a full-size bottle to take home with me.

Interested in purchasing Cocomango Body Lotion for yourself? You'll have to go the old fashioned route and give Anara Spa a call @ 808-240-6440 or by visiting their website for more information.

Have you ever gone batty for sample so much that you made it your own? 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Anara Spa's Cocomango Body Lotion:

• $21.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags — it's a holiday in a bottle.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Anara Spa also carries shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.

Give your eyes a bit of pick me up with By Terry's Crayon Khol Terrybly Eye Pencil in Opaline Flash

Your cheekbones have NARS Copacabana, the brow bones and cupid's bow have Benefit's High Beam and your general glow is imparted by Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Powder.

And your eyes? Here's how can you make them come to life on a random Tuesday morning in less than two minutes. Simply line your upper lash line with By Terry's Crayon Khol Terrybly Eye Pencil in Opaline Flash. 

Opaline Flash

Opaline Flash, one of six shades, is a light seashell pink with grey undertones and a pearlescent finish. By Terry promises eight plus hours of wear from this waterproof formula. Look beyond your eyes and experience its multi-purpose abilities -- Opaline Flash can even be used to highlight and define other facial features. 

Swatch of Opaline Flash

While the name of this product contains the word precision, I have yet to apply a precise line. The tip is soft and is also prone to spreading to places you wish it wouldn't go, mainly the roots of my lashes. In order to combat this I try to smudge and blend out any imperfections.  I can't speak for the other five colours, so you might want to test them out before fully committing. 

Wearing Opaline Flash

Bright-eyed

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for By Terry's Crayon Khol Terrybly Eye Pencil in Opaline Flash:

• $48.00 AUS  / $34.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 6 out of 10 bags — pretty, but pretty expensive.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I might go swatch By Terry's Colour Skin Enhancers, but whoa, check out the price tag!