Caught in a stick-y situation with Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

And I fluttered my eyes in order to get out of it.

Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick begs for you to push aside the eyeshadow pan and to drop the brush at your feet. Fourteen buttery colours sing their siren call -- metallurgy, smoke, flora and fauna.

T'was love at first sight.

Swatch of Golden Pink

Wearing Bobbi Brown's Golden Pink and Burberry's Rosewood

Despite my loving By Terry's Ombré Blackstar Sticks, there is still room for improvement for the way it dries down, just wish it appeared smoother. Bobbi's version is just as good, if not better and much cheaper. Plus, the availability of Bobbi Brown is high up there.

The rounded tip of the eyeshadow stick is probably the best feature to me -- it's petite enough to snuggle in against my smallish eyelids and firm enough to apply product without crumbling with added pressure.

A couple of Saturdays ago I test drove Golden Pink (worn over primer) for approximately eight hours, which consisted of freshening my waves, packing and drinks followed by dinner.  While the rosy champagne colour lasted, the finish separated like oil being spilled onto water. But then again, that could be due to my super oily lids.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Bobbi Brown's Long-wear Cream Shadow Stick:

• $44.00 AUS / $28.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — I tucked Golden Pink in my makeup bag in case I wanted to go for a low maintenance look during our holiday. Let's see if it survived the insanely humid Singapore.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Vanilla could prove to be a standout base.

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

Beauty in a tick: Becca's Beach Tints in Lychee and Watermelon

Lychee (left) and Watermelon (right)

Colour that's good enough for your lips (not mine) and cheeks.

Personally, I love wearing Becca's Beach Tint on my cheeks, because all you need is your chosen tube (any one of the eight shades will do) and your ring finger to dab and blend.

Sheer them out or build them up for a flirty flush. A subtle wash of colour really makes your cheeks glow.

Watermelon (left) and Lychee (right) swatches unblended

Watermelon (left) and Lychee (right) swatches slightly sheered out

Watermelon worn as a lippie

Lychee worn as blush

When worn on the lips I've noticed both Lychee and Watermelon suck the moisture straight out of my lips and leaves them feeling parched. The Sahara-like conditions force the colour to collect and settle within the fine lines of my lips, making the once matte finish appear patchy and downright gross.

Recently, I sent P-Cakes the tube of Watermelon I purchased -- she had the same feedback as me. Great on her cheeks and drying on her lips.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Becca's Beach Tint:

• $42.00 AUS / $25.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 7 out of 10 bags — it's not a multi-purpose product for me, but it might work for you.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Maraschino looks sweet enough to eat.

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

Are you really The One?

Becca's The One Perfecting Brush

It's one thing to have your makeup done by a professional and another to try to replicate their handiwork at home, especially with the tools they used.

The One Perfecting Brush came into my life a few weeks ago after Kristi used it in order to create a flawless and natural looking complexion.

This stout brush is a cross between the kabuki and a traditional paint brush. The handle is finished with rubberised plastic to help keep the brush from slipping out of your hands and the bristles are made of super soft goat hair. The abundance of hair and the manner in which it was perfectly trimmed lends itself to getting the makeup onto your face, instead of seeping down and gunking up the base of your brush.

Goat Hair

Profile

View from the top

To have and to hold

So far I've used The One to apply my powder foundation, bronzer (to contour), blush and finishing powder -- its ability to align itself with the hollows of my cheeks is unreal. Talk about contour heaven!

The One washes up quite nicely too. Lukewarm water and gentle soap works like a charm.

Becca promises The One will replace your foundation brush, powder brush, highlighter brush, contour brush, precision brush and sponge. That's at least six brushes you could potentially stow away, toss or not even consider adding to your makeup bag.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Becca's The One Perfecting Brush:

• $65.00 AUS / $49.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags — My other brushes are shaking in their boots.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I've been told to keep an eye out for an exciting release in early 2014. Yay!

Even Councilman Jamm loves Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

"We're all out of Paunch Burger here, but Michelle Wie will keep you company while I finish my shower."

Lush has always been the sort of store that takes my breath away.

What can I say, I'm a sensitive nelly and Lush's earth-friendly scents aren't always pleasing to my nose. But if you can get beyond the ephemeral burst of perfume like I did, you'll soon be able to enjoy Lush's passionate and knowledgable staff and all they have to offer.

Back in September, Lush invited a few Melbourne-based beauty and lifestyle bloggers as a way to introduce their brand to us. Lush uses word of mouth to spread their message -- by having us as their captive audience, they were able to get their product into our hands as a way to let our own user experience do the talking. I tip my hats off to you Lush, because I don't think I would've fallen for Ro's Argan Body Conditioner.

Where's a spoon when you need one?

Kale made a top-notch batch!

Early morning Nicole appreciates Ro's Argan Body Conditioner for its ability to expedite my somewhat cumbersome morning routine. Some days after washing up with my shower gel, I like to spread on a small dollop of Ro's Argan Body Conditioner and let it soak in for a solid minute. Just before turning the shower off, I'll rinse off and pat myself dry.

My skin is left feeling soft and that softness is matched by the subtlest hint of powdery, almost buttered rose. With repeated use I have noticed its not enough to keep my skin properly hydrated. For the time being I'll have to pair Ro with my old standby or Sympathy for the Skin (that stuff smells like cookies and cream ice cream, mmmm).

Side note: when I workout the scent is heightened upon sweating. It made doing push-up slightly bearable. Bonus?

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Ro's Argan Body Conditioner:

• $32.50 AUS / $32.95 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — one word, addictive.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Hi there, Dreamwash.

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