Beauty – TracysAntics

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.

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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.

Beauty Bits I’ve Been Loving

I use all of these things.. on a good day

SKIN

Elizabeth Arden 8hr Cream – Lip Protect: I got this in the airport (as you do) recently as a very ‘it was on the paying counter’ purchase. But I am so glad I did. I have noticed that working in an air conditioned office really does a number on my lips and this stuff has been a moisturising lifesaver. Bonus, its smells and tastes like grapefruit.

Swisse Argan Oil Moisturiser – I got this moisturiser mainly because I wanted a change. Plus, winter dried out my skin worse than ever. Lets just say. Best choice ever. I will not be saving this only for winter as it is now my all year round moisturiser! It just leaves my skin feeling so soft, even when ive been wearing makeup all day. During Spring & Summer I don’t think ill be wearing this during the day as it would be too heavy, but as a night time moisturiser, its a dream.

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – I recently turned 25 and as such. The eye cream has come out. Not yet the wrinkle cream but knowing my genes, should probably get on to that too. Fine lines are the worst and whether they are only in my imagination or not, I shall begin to treat/ prevent them. This cream goes on great under makeup and is super hydrating. It can take a few mins to soak in but its def worth the wait. I do sometimes use this under my makeup too which works fine!

HAIR

La Bang Body Hair Oil – Now, I know, I gave in to the hype. Its the one all of the Australian Youtubers and Instagramers are talking about and guess what. They are right. Its not a con. I am not being paid to say this!

I generally leave this in all day if I can (If I am bumming around the house and not seeing actual people) and wash it out before bed. i have found since using this that I have less split ends and my hair does take longer to feel dry and frizzy. Which for me, is a revelation.

Tea Tree oil Shampoo – For me this is a more natural alternative to my medicated shampoo. Now, it doesn’t work the same but it does keep me tied over for that little bit longer than if I weren’t to use it at all which is good. Because it is tea tree based it is also antibacterial and I find it takes my hair longer to become oily.

Garnier Leave in Oil – As someone who has the driest of dry hair and is living with a constant frizzy nightmare. I need a hair oil that will be softening without weighing it down. This tends to do this. But only if I use it on first day hair.

I am thinking about trying out a leave in conditioner. Let me know if you have any recommendations.

MAKEUP

Collection Mascara – I am a sucker for collection makeup and as they do not sell it in Australia, I try and top up on my favs while im in NZ. However, I thought while I was at the counter that I would try something new. This is where I discovered my new fav mascara! Its lengthening, separating and quite dry formula so basically everything I love.

Topshop Lip Liner (in Ceramic) & Lipstick (in Naturist) Combo – I never thought I would rate TopShop makeup highly. When I saw the collection I wasn’t too wowed, but at the time it was all on special, so why not. This happened to be a great idea because the Lip Liner and Lipstick i got are fantastic. The colour is my perfect everyday colour. My only con is that it doesn’t last THAT long. A few coffees in and you have to reapply. But it reapplies fine so for me, no issue!

E.L.F. Cosmetics, Blush, Candid Coral – This particular purchase seemed to slip into my overloaded Iherb (discount code: RAC8923) order last minute and when it arrived, I was quite disappointed. I saw the colour and thought straight away. NOPE. However, I tried it and was quite impressed! It is definitely quite subtle, but it is buildable which is the main reason I enjoy it. Its almost impossible to overdo it. Its a peachy pink colour and has a slight shimmer. Perf for Spring!

Nars Laguna – I remember when I first bought this bronzer, it was all because of the hype. I got it… and never touched it. I was too scared! I wasn’t confident doing my makeup and couldnt believe I had bought this product I couldnt use as it was really pricey!

However, I used it as a way to make myself learn. I wanted to be able to use it to its full potential. Voila! I have. Its now my fav bronser by far and works really well as a contour shade on my skintone. Unfortunately, I have hit pan, so will be looking for alternatives so that I dont run out!

NYX Micro Brow eyebrow pencil – When I was in Spain, I discovered that NYX and Kiko, Have their own stores!! The most I had ever seen was a ratehr big counter in Priceline, I was blown away and decided I HAD to buy something.

Fortunately, I had infact forgotten to pack my beloved Benefit Eyebrow Pencil so was in a position to justify a new one and I am SO glad I did because its now my new fav. Not only is the tip really small and easy to use, its less than half the price of the benefit one!! Although I have never tried the ABH one, I feel as though this would be a good dupe too. Seriously, try it.

What have your favourite products been recently?

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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.

Sukin Loves’

Everyone needs great skincare

Skincare is one of those things where, once you find the right products for you, its hard to try anything else as you fear it will either break you out or make your skin freak out in general.

I am now that person. I struggle to bring myself to try anything other than Sukin because I know it works for my skin. There are many reasons I love this brand but mainly because its more natural than some other brands available, it is free from Parabens and Sulphates, the range of products is huge (Minis’!!!) and its really affordable, especially when they have specials!

FACE SCRUBS

I use a range of the face scrubs from Sukin. Partly because I wanted them all and partly because I wanted to see the difference between them. My favourite of the three is still the original (Middle of photo). I use this probably 5 or 6 times a week. Now I know some might say that is excessive but it is just what my skin likes and I notice a difference in the surface of my skin and my makeup application if I haven’t used it. The other 2 I only use occasionally or when my skin needs a little extra.

MOISTURISERS

I believe moisturising your face is the ONE step that everybody should be doing everyday. Whether your skin is oily, dry, normal or combo – you need to moisturise! The 2 moisturisers I love from Sukin are the ‘ Facial Moisturiser’ and the ‘ Replenishing Night Cream’. I find that when I use these 2 products everyday my skin looks its best. When I don’t, Hello Dry Patches.

FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER

This is a new discovery of mine. I don’t use this everyday as I find foaming cleansers can dry out my face if I use them too often. However I maybe use this once a week when I need a quick fix to clogging and removing texture and it works really well. If I have a bit more time I will spend time masking instead.

DETOXIFYING AND MASKING

On days where I feel as though my skin needs a little bit more love and I have time, I choose to use the Detoxifying Mask followed by the scrub. May seem a bit excessive? Yeah probably! But afterwards my skin always feels so refreshed, looks a lot brighter and feels all kinds of clean! I really recommend the Detoxifying Super Greens range from Sukin.

All in all. I love trying new skincare products here and there but if there is one brand I know I can always go back to, or use when other things mess my skin up, Sukin is it! I am really looking forward to trying more of the range when I can justify it next! 😀

**DISCLAIMER – The products in these photos are well used and loved so may look kinda gross lol**

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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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L’Oreal Skin Expert Pure Clay Mask | Review

Masking is one of my favourite pasttimes

It’s not often that I use a product and can say after the first use that I absolutely love it. But this, is one of those things! By far one of the best face masks I have used recently and, its affordable!! (Currently on Special for AUD$12.69 at Chemist Warehouse).

When I first saw this is in the pharmacy I grabbed it and put it in my basket without a second thought. As this range is fairly new and not very reviewed yet I thought I would give it a go before I am washed with preconceived ideas – and why not write the beginning of this post while it’s currently sucking the life out of my pores!

CLAIMS
Detoxifying and Brightening

FIRST IMPRESSION

It is heavily scented. But not in a bad way, but in a way that you are glad its only on your face for 15 odd minutes because you really want to get the smell away from your nose.

APPLICATION

I just applied it with my good ol’ fingers. Usually with clay masks I would use a dedicated brush but this one seemed like an okay texture to use my fingers… and it was such a dream to put on.

Thoughts I had whilst it was on my face. Tight after about 5 minutes but not uncomfortable.

WASHING OFF PROCESS

I chose to use a warm washcloth and water to remove it as this is how I would normally take off any clay mask and it worked great. Did not require much tugging at all at my skin to get it off and my face was completely clean after a few minutes.

AFTER THOUGHTS

Skin almost instantly looking really clean and bright – Check. Skin also felt a little dry afterwards but really not that bad. The next day my skin looks amazing. Very fresh and almost radiant looking (If I must say so myself).

OVERALL

Great for if you are wanting a new mask to try that is affordable and actually does more than just make your face look ridiculous for 15 minutes! I will definitely be going out to repurchase the other 2 masks in the range!

Have you tried this mask? Let me know your thoughts!