Makeup – TracysAntics

Autumn Reflection

As you may, or may not have noticed, things have been a little quiet around here the past few months. Once my backlog of blog posts ran out, I kind of, lost it.
At this time of the year, I find that I can almost become another person. My mood changes and I generally just feel a bit dull. I think they call this SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder but you know what, that’s okay. It really hasn’t been that bad, I think I just do not respond well to the cold weather & the sun going down at about 4pm!

However, things haven’t been all bad so lets recap the past season and see what I have really been up to!

Jose Gonzalez in Concert

This was something that happened way back in March! but even now when I think about it, it has for sure been a highlight. We did go and see him once before when he played at the Melbourne Zoo twilights but this was so much better and more personal. There was even an hour of Q&A which we attended beforehand, such a treat!

If you haven’t heard of Jose, or listened to his music, go ahead and have a listen. Its really something quite beautiful & different.

Living in Activewear

Probably the biggest change in the past few months has been that of my day to day. I went from a 9 to 5 office job to completely changing my career and jumping into the world of health and fitness. It was something that I had wanted to do for so so long but didn’t have the nerve to, but finally after much contemplation, I did it and I love it! Weirdly enough, the thing about this I thought I would love the most, living in active wear, has become my least favourite part. Literally no one enjoys pulling on uncomfortable tights at 5am… and there have been a LOT, of 5ams…

Taking my love of Reformer to the next level

& starting a Pilates Reformer course at Elixr School of Pilates.
Because isn’t that was everyone does when they love something that much?
Probably not, but hey ho, that’s what I did and it has been quite the uh… experience. The course itself is very intense and the face to face component is only 5 weekends with the rest being self taught so a liiitttle out of my comfort zone. But so far, so good. Its been really strange to study again that’s for sure and I have definitely had my ups, and downs and moments of ‘whatthehellamIdoing’ but its all part of the fun! I can’t wait to actually be a qualified instructor as I do have some big plans once the exam is over.
Watch this space

No-Makeup, Makeup

For so long, I was the person who wouldn’t step foot into my workplace with out a full face of makeup on. Part of my morning routine was getting up 20 mins earlier just to be able to do so. Let me tell you, once I started starting work before 6am that went right out the window.
But I am actually really enjoying it.
It has made me more conscious of my skin in both good and bad ways. In the good ways it has made me really stick to my skincare routine & has somewhat stopped me eating chocolate everynight (because no one needs those sugar pimples) but in the bad ways I really do notice every imperfection my skin has, so i’m having to come to terms with that, which I guess is also a good thing right…
So all I have really been using is my trusty Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, L’oreal Baby Roll Mascara & my Benefit Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil. And thats it. So simple and easy when its 4:45am!

Walking & Podcasting

This year has really been the year for podcasts. I feel like they are really making a break and you can literally find something for everyone. One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to spend my time walking, being productive instead of just listening to the same Spotify playlist over and over (which I still do sometimes).
So these are some of my favs & ones I would reccommend:

Lower your Expectations
Talking Tastebuds
The Healthcode
Wheybox Podcast
Ladies who Lunch
The Heart of it

This is quite an interesting range, all quite different really but they are what get me through my early moring walk to work without too much fuss.

And that’s about it. Autumn for me is definitely one of the more uneventful seasons of the year/ I have been so crazy with all things as above. I will try and keep on top of my blog throughout winter! Especially considering the cold weather gives me a great excuse to sit at home under the heatpump!

Tried & Tested | Concealers

For those days when the under eye circles are just getting a little too much

It has been a little while since my last Tried & Tested post! So I do apologise! I have been trying to get together (& finish) enough products to warrant doing another one and considering I am slightly obsessed with concealers I have finally managed to do so! (you’re welcome).

This is a bit of a mashup of all sorts tbh.. We have some affordable & some, not so much. However, considering I wouldn’t ever really spend a craptonne on a high end concealer, I think you will find something within your budget.

Collection Lasting Perfection

Unfortunately this first one probably isn’t for the Australian readers as it is REALLY hard to get a hold of here. I have found a few places, one being Fishpond & another being Ebay however, I can not comment on what the delivery etc is like as I have never ordered it online.
If however, you are in NZ or the UK, it will be fairly easy to find and its definitely worth a look. It doesn’t have a great shade range however if you have a lighter skin tone you should be okay. It is a thickish formula with really good coverage. It doesn’t crease on me and doesn’t go patchy at all. I do recommend working quite quickly as it dries faster than some.
I also use this as a eye shadow primer and it does not move!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

I enjoy this concealer on days that I don’t need as much coverage or I need to cover up a spot as I have this in my skin tone and not a shade lighter (the shade range isn’t fantastic). It blends really well and is light to medium coverage. It sets very easily with a bit of powder and won’t move ~~all~~ most of the day on me. It is very brightening under the eyes as you would expect and is best applied with a sponge.

Mecca Max Life Proof Cream Concealer

On the website this concealer is classed as a ‘eraser for the face’. I don’t think I would go that far, however, it is a great concealer and I do love it. It is very similar in texture and coverage to the Collection concealer mentioned above (maybe the formula is a tiny bit thinner), so for those aussies wondering, this would be a good dupe. It blends SO easily and for that reason + the amazing coverage it has been my current go to. It also has an okay shade range and lasts well on me (with setting powder).

L.A Girl PRO Conceal HD

I wont lie. I bought this concealer because of the hype! If you haven’t bought anything because of Youtube or Instagram, then good on you! But me, I love a good social media recommendation. One thing ill say about this is that the shade range is FANTASTIC. There is literally a colour for everyone. It has about a medium coverage and is great for brightening under the eyes. I have also used it on spots here and there and its covered well. I will say that the lasting power isn’t as good as others, however if it was something you wanted to pop on for a few hours then it would be perfect.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser

For me, this is the perfect everyday concealer. Its really easy to apply under the eyes, blends like a dream, doesn’t crease, works fine under powder and gets rid of those pesky under eye black circles. The shade range def isn’t great and the coverage is maybe light to medium but when it does the job, lasts all day and goes on special a LOT, its worth a go. This is the one I recommend to everyone.

Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer

This one is at the bottom of my list, not because it is the worst, but because its not one I tend to reach for the most. This is def more of a face concealer and wouldn’t recommend for under eye use (Hence the name I guess…). It does cover spots well and doesn’t go cakey. It’s easy to apply and blends out really well. It doesn’t tend to last all day (although none really do on my spots) but I don’t mind touching up with this one here and there.

Concealers are great. On days where I have ‘no makeup’ on, I will still use one of these as one of my 3 products. My current WishList includes: Urban Decay Naked Skin, NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, Two Faced Born This Way & a few more affordable ones.
PLEASE let me know your recommendations.

Leave a comment or find me on Instagram and here, Facebook and Twitter.

Current Beauty Essentials

Beauty Lies Within..

It’s definitely been a while since I last posted anything beauty related! So I thought why not do a bit of a overview of things I’ve been trying && loving recently.

Although trying out new products is oh so fun, the more time goes on, the less I seem to change em up. I used to try and get a new Primer, Foundation & Brow Pencil every time I used one up but now, I know what I like so I tend to stick to & repurchase what I know works. With, the odd exception because I am still a bit of a beauty addict at heart. So I thought, why not share what I am lovin’ at the mo. Maybe you will find a new gem or two…

L’occitane Almond Shower Oil & Body Cream

After hearing the constant hype in the beauty community about the renound Bath & Shower oil, it became a.. IMUSTHAVE IT. But, its rather expensive. So I thought I would put it on my Xmas list & I was lucky enough to receive it, in a set with the Hand Cream, Body Moisturiser & a Soap Bar (DREAMY).
After trying it now for a month solid, I can say, it IS worth the hype. I def use it more as a bath oil (You only need the teeeniest amount) and omg I always feel so soft & lush afterwards. I generally follow up with the body cream to get the ultimate effect and it has really become a solid in my pamper routine! The cream is as you would expect, lush. But it also soaks into the skin really well & doesn’t leave you feeling sticky and having to dance around the bathroom for 10mins waiting for it to dry!

Sukin Shaving Gel
Ive never really been one to shave my legs… with a shaving gel. Never saw the point and thought it was a waste of money (whats wrong with a bar of soap?). I still stick to this statement however, I do love this product. It is actually a men’s face shaving gel but it wasn’t being used for such things so I decided ‘wastenotwantnot’ and gave it a go.
Now I wouldn’t say its super magical but, if you do like buying shaving gel for your legs, then maybe pick this one up when its half price because it does the job well and lasts forever!

Origins Out Of Trouble 10 Min Mask

Of the 3 Origins face masks I have tried, this is the one I would repurchase.. which I find rather funny because it was the one I was least excited to try. It is one of those products that really does what it claims to. I only use this on problem areas of my face when I am breaking out but I know that when I use this at night, the next morning my spots will be half the size and not giant volcanoes. It also doesn’t dry out my face which is magical because a lot of 10 minute masks or blemish masks tend to do so.

L’Oreal Miss Baby Roll Mascara

This mascara is nothing like I have ever used before. You can see in the close up photos that the wand is really weird! I bought it on a whim because I wanted to try something new and I can almost say, that it is now my holy grail! Which is a huge statement because I didn’t think any mascara would ever make me want to throw out my Cover girl Lash Blast (which you can see me raving about here).
It gives a great amount of volume, without clumping, and is also quite separating and lengthening! It is the ‘doesitall’ mascara I have been wanting for so long.
Also, the packaging is pretty cute which is an added bonus.

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner – Eastend Snob and Stila MECCA20 – Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

I will admit that lip products are not my favourite products in my makeup bag. I love eyebrows & lashes & base. So when I do find lip products that I like, I tend to just use those ones ALL the time rather than mixing it up. I know what colours suit me and work for me. So these two have become my everyday office lip combo.
The lip liner I bought thanks to Amelia Liana and her obsession for Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk as I had heard this was a good dupe and I wasn’t about to pay big $$$ for a lip liner. It’s a very creamy lip liner and doesn’t have to be sharpened (Hallelujah).

The Stila Liquid Lip I bought during Mecca’s 20 Year celebration (read about what I bought here) and now that I have had and used it for a while I can say… the colour is amazing but the formula can be really drying if you don’t prep your lips enough. This is why I decided to see what it would look like & perform over top of the Rimmel Lip Liner and it was such a win! Not only does it last perfectly most of the day, it doesn’t flake off in a funny manner, get really dry or leave your lips with a weird tint. WIN.

What are some of your favourite bits at the moment? Leave a comment or find me on Instagram and here, Facebook and Twitter.

A Mini Beauty Haul & Mecca20 Review

Sale Season & Vouchers makes for a good time

Unless you have been living under a rock, you would have heard about the big birthday celebration Mecca is having for its 20th Birthday!

I managed to find a quiet-ish time and go in and have a squizz around and omg I was not disappointed! So many of your (and my) favourite brands have teamed up with Mecca to come out with some AHmazing Limited Edition Products, Sample Packs and Travel essentials as well as some Mecca Only Limited Edition product shades! There really is a range for almost anybody with prices from $20 to $424 (unfortunately not in my budget).

I didn’t go crazy and only picked up two things but I really could have gone crazy. Here’s what I got…

SKINCARE

ORIGINS – MECCA20 Mini Mask Trio – $41.00

Travel/ Trial Sizes of (50ml):
Containing Out Of Trouble 10 Min Mask (50ml), Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (50ml), Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (50ml),

I was SO excited when I saw this pack that I just picked it up and put it in my basket without thinking. Considering these mini face masks alone are over $20 I thought it was a pretty good bargain!

Soap & Glory – Hand Food (50ml)- $4.00 or the 125ml for $9

Ain’t gonna lie. The minis at the front counter got me I was in need of a new hand cream for work so picked this up and OMG it smells like H E A V E N. Honestly. The best way I can discribe the smell is ‘Lime Fruju’ – (you know, the iceblock). But they describe it as Sweet Lime & Vanilla. Which I guess is pretty much a Fruju.

MAKEUP

STILA – MECCA20 Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick – $32.00

This also comes as a set option which includes:
Limited Edition Colour of Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, full size Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, and mini Huge Extreme Lash Mascara – $67

You know that cute paper that Mecca tends to wrap your #giftstoyourself in? Well that’s the best way I can describe the colour of this. It is beautiful. Completely mylipsbutbetter.

My other top picks from the MECCA20 Collection:

Luckily I had a voucher which I used to buy some of this but otherwise, it really didn’t break the bank! I love a good bargain & a good mini. I will be testing these products out over the next lil while so keep an eye on this space.

Thats it for now! In the meantime you can find me on Instagram and here, Facebook and Twitter.

Tried and Tested | Affordable Foundations

As a lover of all things affordable, I am always on the lookout for a good foundation that isn’t going to cost the earth.

As someone who works a corporate office job, I choose to wear a full face of makeup Monday to Friday as it makes me feel more confident and I enjoy the process of applying makeup first thing in the morning to start my day.

I have tested many, high and low end, and I have to say most of the ones I turn to because I know they are reliable, are my low end / affordable foundations!

All of the ones listed here are foundations that I have finished! (Yes I know, Applaud!)

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH 25HR

This is a foundation I actually bought on a whim whilst in NZ in April. I needed a medium, but buildable foundation for my Graduation Ceremony and saw this. I had read reviews in the past and had been meaning to try so why not. Once I started using this foundation I actually didn’t use ANYTHING else until the bottle sadly finished (already repurchased to keep in my collection). It is a demi-matte finish and can be built up to a very full coverage. I apply this with a Real Techniques Sponge, but I find a semi dense flat or round top brush works just as well.

RIMMEL WAKE ME UP

To me this is a very good ‘new to makeup’ or entry foundation. It has a fairly light coverage and has a natural, glowy finish. I wouldn’t say it is long lasting but good to chuck on if you are just heading out for a few hours. I however would repurchase as it is a good ‘weekend’ staple for me.

COVERGIRL OUTLAST STAY LUMINOUS

My current go to. It comes with a pump, blends quite easily (sponge def easier than brush) and does leave my face quite glowy. It does provide a light/medium coverage and is more natural looking than other foundations. It doesn’t wear that well but in saying that, if you are the type of person looking for a dewy, low coverage foundation, give this one a go. You might love it! I don’t think this will be the first foundation I repurchase but its 50/50.

BOURJOIS HEALTHY MIX SERUM GEL

16hr lasting power? Medium coverage to cover imperfections? I don’t think so. However, it is a lightweight, easy blendable, natural looking (kind of buildable depending on the application type) and medium lasting (6-8hrs) foundation. Would I repurchase? Probably, as long as they look at changing the overpowering scent.

RIMMEL STAY MATTE LIQUID MOUSSE

I used to absolutely swear by this foundation! It was one I loved for such a long time when I was convinced I needed something that was full coverage and Matte. Turns out I don’t, and my desires have changed! But I do still keep a tube of this hidden away in my collection for those times I do want something a bit more full coverage and long lasting. This does take a little bit longer to blend, so wouldn’t really recommend it for someone that doesn’t have a lot of time and/or patience but overall it does leave a nice looking soft but full coverage effect.

If you are on a budget and are looking for something more affordable, maybe give one of these a try!

Also, I am always on the lookout for new affordable products to try so please let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations!

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Current Makeup Must-haves’

Happy 2 Years! This week is the 2 year anniversary of my blog, so why not celebrate with a Beauty Must-Haves??

Recently I have discovered that I have been so bored with my makeup routine and products. I am just itching for some new products to test out and play with! But there have been however, a few products I have been loving and don’t think I will be giving up anytime soon!

MAYBELLINE AGE REWIND CONCEALER

This stuff works so well for me. I generally only use it on my under eyes but it really does the job. It doesn’t have the best coverage but still manages to hide those pesky dark circles well and I find it to be really gentle and moisturising for the eye area.

FACE SPONGE

For me, this is the best way to apply my foundation and concealer for an everyday look. Its easy to use, blends out the product evenly and doesn’t leave any weird streaks or patches. the brands I always come back to being – Real Techniques & Chichi

COVERGIRL LASHBLAST WATERPROOF MASCARA

I have loved this mascara for a few years on and off now, but it always seems to be the one I can come back to and rely on and not worry if I am going to get spidery, clumpy lashes. For me, this mascara adds volume but also allows my lashes to look longer and fluttery.

ELF BRONZER

I have hit pan 😦 But at least it shows it is loved right? I love this bronzer for … Bronzing, as you would expect… but also, as an eye-shadow for everyday. Its my go to!

LIP LINERS

I have jumped on the lip liner band wagon. They have literally become and everyday staple for me. Not only do the ones I love, go on smoothly and are really buttery, but they last hours! (I generally put my Lip liner on around 8am – Look in the mirror after lunch – STILL THERE!) I don’t think I can ever go back. Some of my absolute favourites are from Natio and W7.

TANYA BURR COSMETICS LIP GLOSS

I picked up a few of these on Feel Unique a while ago and they kind of fell to the back of my drawer never to be seen – until I did a spring clean and decided to try them out. I generally don’t wear them on their own, but paired with my favouite lip liners, they last a long time, aren’t too sticky and look lovely! (side note: They smell amazing!)

So these are my current go tos’, but I am in the market for a few new things! High end, Low end… I just want some new things to play with! Please leave me some suggestions below of what I should try next.

Until next time…

❤

Current Makeup Favourites

Can you believe its the end of February? No…? Neither can I.

This month for me has been one of accomplishment, nourishment, ups and downs. But overall, its been good.

This month has been one of discovering my love of many things – Fitness, Food, Makeup, App’s and a few Lifestyle favs.

MAKEUP

Makeup Favs 1

To be fair, I haven’t changed up my makeup very much at all recently. I have had to put my priorities elsewhere so my budget for makeup has all but dried up.

RIMMEL WAKE ME UP FOUNDATION

I have been a lover of the concealer from this range for quite some time, but had never tested out the foundation until now, and I love it. I apply it with a damp Real Techniques Sponge as I find this the quickest and most effective, for me. It gives an ‘almost dewy’ finish on my skin, which to be honest, I have never been a huge fan of, but this Summer I have found it to be so natural and flawless looking that the ‘not so matte’ look hasn’t crossed my mind.

COLLECTION LASTING PERFECTION CONCEALER

in the lightest shade (Great for getting rid of those dark circles and also does a pretty good job of highlighting other parts of my face, without making everything turn into a cakey mess) and also the Australis Fresh and Flawless Pressed Powder to set down all of the above. This powder has become by go to powder. It sets my face so well and I don’t get any where near as shiny during the day which is great! (Bonus, its affordable!).

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH MATTE LIPSTICK BY KATE #103

which I find great as an everyday lip colour for work, not too pink, not too nude (On me) and funnily enough, not too Matte! It also has pretty great lasting power and as a bonus, this range of lipsticks smell AMAZING.

Makeup Favs 2

As for the rest of my face, Bronzer, Blush, Primer, Mascara.. etc. Nothing has really stood out.

I hope to see my makeup budget come back some time soon, as I am really hanging out for a few new bits and bobs! My “Wishlist” is endless it seems. Too many Youtube/ Blog recommendations, not enough money.

What are some of your Makeup must-haves at the moment? What have you been loving? I would love to know!

Watch this space for Lifestyle and Food favs coming soon!

Until next time, Tracy x