Thursday, October 30, 2014

Brand Review | People for Plants


Hello beauties and welcome to another blog post! Today we are going to look at some of the skincare available from Australian brand "People for Plants". People for Plants focus' on using as many certified organic ingredients as they can and everything from their range is animal cruelty free!
Everything from People for Plants is free from:
  • Parabens
  • Sulphates of any kind
  • Propylene glycol
  • Synthetic fragrances
  • Artificial colours
  • Petrochemicals
  • Silicones
  • Phthalates
  • Nature identical ingredients
  • PEG’s, DEA, TEA, EDTA, MEA, carbomers, ethoxylates or 1, 4-dioxane
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)
So it is great for all us sensitive skin guys and gals and people concious of what they are putting on to their skin!

Now on to the products...

Cleanser & Make Up Remover* 120ml $24.95
"People for Plants Cleanser & Make-Up Remover is a creamy facial cleanser and make-up remover that cleanses, purifies and revitalises the skin. The formula features 90 per cent organically certified ingredients including the antioxidants white tea and rosemary. It also features aloe, grapefruit, shea butter and soap nut to provide a gentle cleanse that doesn’t dry out the skin. The Cleanser & Make-Up Remover leaves skin deeply cleansed, soft and healthy and is suitable for normal and sensitive skin. 

Use in the morning and night, apply a small amount on fingers and gently massage face, neck and décolletage. Rinse with warm water or use a soft cloth, such as muslin for a more thorough clean."
- Beautyheaven.com.au

This cleanser is EXCELLENT for dry skin! Some cleansers can leave your skin feeling really "tight" and dry, but this cream based cleanser and leaves my skin feeling so soft and moisturised. It does a decent job of removing my makeup too however I still need to use makeup remover or cleanse it a few times to get rid of any stubborn makeup spots (ie. mascara)!
However if you have oily skin I would not recommend this as I feel like it would leave your skin feeling "buttered up", like it did for me as my skin got oilier towards the summer months. Dispite not doing anything to help my oiliness it didn't break me out at all, which I was surprised by.

Overall I would definitely recommend this cleanser for anyone with sensitive skin and dry to normal skin. 

Mist Toner* 125ml $19.95
"People for Plants Mist Toner is a facial mist and toner that hydrates, brightens and energises the skin. The formula features 97 per cent organically certified ingredients, and completes the cleansing process by removing any last traces of make-up and excess sebum by balancing the skin with its toning properties. Rose otto awakens the senses while a fusion of kakadu plum and antioxidant-rich burdock brightens and energises the skin. Witch hazel and aloe vera nourish and soothe, leaving the skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
Beautyheaven.com.au

This toner comes in a neat little spray bottle which comes in handy and usually 3 pumps does my whole face. The mist is very refreshing and has a lovely scent of roses and lavender and leaves my skin feeling cool and hydrated.

I love using this product in the morning to "wake up" my skin and throughout the day when I feel like my skin is looking tired.

Day Cream* 50ml $29.95
"People for Plants Day Cream is a moisturising face cream that nourishes, energises and protects the skin. The formula features 91 per cent organically certified ingredients. The cream features precious bio-available ingredients to give skin superior hydration on top of anti-ageing and calming benefits. The cream is formulated with rosehip oil and omega 3, which helps strengthen and promote skin elasticity and plumpness while shea, jojoba and macadamia oils protect the skin. The moisturiser also features ginkgo, a detoxifying ingredient that contains powerful antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental aggressors. The cream leaves the skin feeling soft and nourished, looking visibly brighter and energised. 

To use, in the morning apply several pumps to hands, warm in palms and gently press into the skin of face, neck and décolletage.
- Beautyheaven.com.au
This day cream comes in a nice pump packaging (yay for hygiene!) and is VERY moisturising. I honestly would not recommend this to anyone who has even slightly oily skin because it will just make you an oily mess! However if you're a dry skin gal I feel like this one is for you! This was also great on my sensitive skin and has a very "natural product" smell to it. 
Organic Lip Balm* 4.5g $9.95
"People for Plants Vanilla Bean and Cocoa Butter Lip Balm has been made with 96 per cent organically certified ingredients. The lip balm features bourbon vanilla and is combined with cocoa butter to soften skin. People for Plants Lip Balms 100 per cent natural, and are formulated with Australian certified organic beeswax to protect, coconut oil to moisturise, cocoa butter to soften and rosemary for its powerful antioxidant properties."
Beautyheaven.com.au

Overall this is a fantastic lip balm, it is very hydrating and I love that it isn't a petroleum based product like most lip balms seem to be! This particular one does smell and taste strongly of Cocoa but honestly I wasn't too fussed on the smell! Everyone else I've asked who has tried this said they loved it though so I guess I'm the only girl who doesn't like that "cocoa" taste!
Overall I really love the People for Plants brand, if you are after a more natural skincare routine, have sensitive or dry skin I would completely recommend giving this brand a go.

Have you tried the People for Plants range at all? If so, what did you think?

-Katerina xxx

Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Must-Have MAC Lipsticks for Fall


Hello beauties!
Now fall has ended here in Australia but it's just starting for our American friends. So because of this I thought I would share with you my five all time FAVOURITE MAC lipsticks for fall as these are what I found myself wearing the most!

Left to Right: Diva, Ruby Woo, Rebel, Heroine, Hang Up

Diva
This is an intense reddish-burgundy colour with a matte finish and suits all skintones. It is also perfect for that "vampy" look.

Ruby Woo
A staple in any MAC girls collection, Ruby Woo is a vivid coral based red colour with a matte finish. Again, this is a shade that would suit any skintone.

Rebel
Rebel is another popular colour for fall, also perfect for that "vampy" look. It is a vivd pinkish-purple colour with a satin finish. I find this colour works really well on olive skintones but there are no rules in makeup, only suggestions.

Herione
This is a deep blue-based purple colour with a matte finish. I think it is definitely a statement lipstick and works best with dark or olive skintones (but again, there are no rules!).

Hang Up
I feel like this is simply just a glossier version of Diva, great for when you still want that "vampy" look without the matte lips.

Left to Right: Diva, Ruby Woo, Rebel, Heroine, Hang Up

All these lipsticks are amazing quality however I do find the matte shades to be longer lasting than the rest. I hope this helped you all with your fall lipstick endeavors and i'll see you guys again soon!

I'd love to know your favourite lipsticks for fall in the comments below :)

-Katerina xxx 

Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Eye of Horus | Review + Swatches


Hello again lovelies! Today at Katerina Beauty we will be discussing the relatively new on the market makeup brand; Eye of Horus. This is an Australian brand that does not test on animals (woohoo!), is paraben free and contains lots of natural goodies. This brand focus' on using ancient Egyptian formulas and ingredients such as:
  • Bees Wax
  • Ricebran Wax
  • Canauba
  • Candellia
  • Jojoba
  • Almond Oil
  • Moringa Oil
  • Sesame Oil
So lets see how these products went! Oh and just a quick warning, this is a very picture heavy post.

Eye of Horus Sun Godess Eyeshadow Palette*


So I'll start this review off with their eyeshadow palette Sun Godess. This little palette contains 3 gorgeous, bronze tone, shimmery eyeshadows which are very creamy and easy to blend! Pigmentation is decent however they do work better under an eyeshadow base. This cute little palette also comes with a mirror and double ended brush so it is perfect for travelling.

Swatched without an eyeshadow base

Eye of Horus Liquid Eyeline*



Next on the review list in their black liquid eyeliner. This little baby has a very fine felt tip for easy application. It's formula is VERY black and dries instantly so there is no worries about accidental smudging whilst waiting for eyeliner to dry! It is also waterproof so makeup remover is a must for this eyeliner. Overall I think this is a great product and would definitely recommend to anyone on the hunt for a new liquid eyeliner.

Eye of Horus Black Liquid Eyeliner Swatch

Eye of Horus Kohl Eyeliner*


Now moving on to their Kohl eyeliners, I feel like these are the star of the show. I have the shades teal and black and they are AMAZING! These eyeliners are so creamy and pigmented, they just glide on seemlessly. You have about half a minute before they dry if you want the "smudged" effect but once they dry they aint going anywhere. These are smudgeproof and waterproof once dry, and they last the whole day. If you are thinking of trying anything from the Eye of Horus line, this should be it.

Eye of Horus Kohl Eyeliners Black and Teal Swatches

Eye of Horus Mascara*


The final product left to review in this post is their mascara. It is very black, and great for lengthening and separating my lashes. I feel like this mascara is comparable to Benefit's They're Real mascara however it's MUCH faster drying (I feel like Benefit's takes forever to dry!). There was no clumping and I loved that it didn't flake off on to my under eyes throughout the day like a lot of mascaras do! However I feel like this mascara didn't do much in the way of adding volume nor did it hold a curl (two things i desperately need!). Nonetheless it was still a great product.

Eye of Horus Mascara

Well that's it for today's review, I hope you found this helpful. If you have already tried Eye of Horus I'd love to hear your thoughts down in the comments below. Until next time I hope you are all having a fantastic day!

-Katerina xxx.
Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

Saturday, August 30, 2014

August Favourites | 2014


Hello lovelies and welcome back for another installment of my monthly favourites! These are the products I have been loving this month, if you try them hopefully you will love them too.


Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover
I have been loving this cleanser all month! It's somewhat of a gel consistancy so it's great for oily skin and leaves my skin feeling so clean and fresh. It is also 86% naturally derived with no harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or phthalates so you're not absorbing those nasties into your body. Also, it really does remove makeup and has kept my skin clear, a big thumbs up from me!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Colour Rush Lip Balm shade 220 Rumor Has it
This is a relatively new product from Rimmel and was released as part of their collaboration with Rita Ora, and these lip balms did not disappoint. I have actually posted a review and swatches on my collection of these last week if you would like to check that out HERE. These are so buttery, moisturising and pigmented, and this shade is just a gorgeous bright fuchsia colour. I think it is great for a pop of colour throughout the day.

Milani Baked Blush shade Dulce Pink
If you've been following me for a while you will know my obsession with the Milani baked blushes. Well obviously Dulce Pink is no exception. It is a gorgeous girly pink shade with gold reflects through it and like all the baked blushes, it's very pigmented, easy to blend and very well priced. I love it.

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
This is another new product I have been using this month and had to put in here. This primer worked wonders to control my oiliness and I noticed a big difference in the time it took for my makeup to get shiny. If you have oily skin I definitely reccommend checking this baby out, and best of all it was only $13.95! However I'd also like to add it didn't really do much in the way of filling in fine lines and pores so I have also been mixing in a little of my Benefit Porefessional primer just on the areas the need it.

Eye of Horus Kohl Eyeliner in Black
Now I know Eye of Horus isn't that well a known brand on the market yet, but it should be. This eyeliner is amazing, possibly one of the best I have ever tried. Once you apply it you have about half a minute to work with it before it dries and once it dries it isn't going anywhere! It is smudge proof and waterproof. I have been loving this for my waterline because it stays put for hours, doesn't irritate my eyes and is a BLACK black.

Well that's is another month of favourites gone, I hope you enjoyed them. If you use any of these products let me know what you think of them, I'd love to here another persons experience!

-Love Katerina xxx.

Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

Friday, August 29, 2014

FOTD: Everday Makeup | Daytime and Work Appropriate


Hello beauties and welcome back to another blog post!

Today is another Face of the Day post of an everyday makeup look that is appropriate for work and the daytime. I know it can be hard at times to find the line of what is appropriate for the day and what will make you look out of place. I find for me the best guide is the more natural looking, the better.

Here is my guide to keep your face daytime ready and to avoid looking like a drag queen (but hey if that is the look you're going for, you go girl!):
  • Neutrals are always safe 
  • steer clear of any dark smokey eyes
  • Bright colours are fun but choose the eyes or the lips, not both.
  • Less is always more.

And this is the makeup I wore out to lunch the other day:


Products used:
Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation NC25
Rimmel Wake me Up Concealer
Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent
Maybelline Fit Me Powder shade 230
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Milani Baked Blush in Dulce Pink
The Balm Mary LouManizer
Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara
MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot
MAC eyeshadows: Shroom, Cork, Mystery
Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
Naked Basics Palette: Crave
Ardell False Eyelashes 113
Jordanna Eyeshadow Pencil Continuous Almond
Sigma Brow Powder Duo Dark
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Collection Lipstick 103
Rimmel Apocoliptic Lip Laquer Phenomenon 

If you'd like to see how I got this look you can check out my tutorial here:




I'd just like to say that all opinions are my own and honestly, if you want to wear a bright lip with dark smokey eyes during the day go ahead. It's your body and noone should tell you what to do with it.

I hope you all are having a wonderful day and I will catch you next time,
Katerina xxx.

Check me out at:

Monday, August 25, 2014

Rimmel: Colour Rush Long Lasting Intense Colour Balm | Review

Left to Right: 500 The Redder The Better, 220 Rumour Has it, 100 Give me a Cuddle

Hello beautiful readers and welcome back to yet another blog post, 
recently at Katerina Beauty Blog HQ I have been testing out the new Colour Rush Long Lasting Intense Colour Balm's* (Is that name long enough?!) by Rimmel that was released as part of their Rita Ora collection.

It seems every brand and their dog have come out with this style of lip balm colours and even though Rimmel seemed to be a little late catching on to the trend these lip balms beat many I have tried that have been on the market for a while now.

Upon first trying these I noticed the deliciously sweet vanilla scent of the balms and the colour just glides on so smoothly! These new lip balm are buttery, very moisturising and have decent pigmentation too. They are true to their name and are very long lasting, even once the "balm" has gone from your lips I noticed the colour was still there, obviously not as strong but there was still a tint. 

Overall I would definitely recommend picking these up and only issue I had was the colour 100 Give me a Cuddle seemed to go on a little patchy for me, I'm not sure if this was because of lips were MEGA dry or if it is the formula because the other two colours went on PERFECTLY.  

500 The Redder The Better

 220 Rumour Has it

100 Give me a Cuddle

I hope you found this review helpful and I'd love to hear your own thoughts on these lip balms in the comments below!

Love Katerina xxx.

Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Indeed Labs: Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask | Review


Greetings again readers!
I’m going to start off with telling you about a little bit about my skin; during summer with the humidity here in Australia my skin pretty much becomes an oil slick. However during the colder months it’s like my skin becomes the Sahara Desert and unfortunately this winter is no exception.



But this winter I am lucky enough to try the Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask by Indeed Labs*. The box contains four sachets which hold sheets soaked in the formula. The key ingredient in this product appears to be the “3D hyaluronic acid” which basically equates to a whole lot of moisture! Instructions for these mask are simple: cleanse your face, slap on the mask for 15 minutes, take it off and rub in the excess. So the first thing I love about this product is that there is no mess to wash off your face like other masks. 

The next thing I love and what you all came to read is, it really does make a difference and is so moisturising without leaving me oily! The excess product absorbs into your skin without leaving any oil or film behind and my skin feels so much softer afterwards. It also looks more plump and healthy.

I feel like the one downside to this product is that it is fairly pricey compared to the amount you get in the Hydraluron tube. So for me, as a special treat I love these and would definitely recommend them to others.


Oh and don’t worry, they come with peep holes!

Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

-Katerina xxx

P.s. It's also a great way to scare housemates/family members.




Saturday, June 7, 2014

My Everyday Makeup Routine | 2014


Hello again my lovely readers and welcome back to another "Makeup of the Day" post! This time I am sharing with you all my go-to everyday makeup look.

Now let me start off by stating that I do not wear makeup everyday, it's more like every other OTHER day, if you're lucky. But on the off chance I do decide to wear makeup that day (and don't sleep in) this is the look I will usually go for. I like to keep things natural looking and simple.

P.s. I don't normally wear false eyelashes but today I felt like it ;)



PRODUCTS USED:
Benefit Porefessional Primer
L'Oreal True Match Foundation shade W4
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer shade Ivory
Rimmel Match Perfecting Translucent Powder
L'Oreal True Match Powder shade W4
Bourjois Blush shade 16 
Mary Lou-Manizer by The Balm
Sigma Brow Duo in Dark
Anastasia Beverley Hills Clear Brow Gel
Jordanna Eyeshadow Pencil shade Continuous Almond
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: Naked 2
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: Faint
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: Crave
Mary Kay Eyeliner Pencil Black
Ardell 120 Demi False Eyelashes
Mary Kay Volumising Mascara
Sally Hansen Xtreme Inflatable Lipgloss in Clear

Want to see how I did my makeup? Just check out my tutorial ;)


What products are do you use in your "everyday" look?

-Katerina xxx

And don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

Sunday, June 1, 2014

May Favourites | 2014


Hello my lovely readers, 
Well it is that time of the month again (no not that time, the other time!) where we all put together our favourite products we have been using over the past four weeks. This is what made this months top 5 in my makeup world:


PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
MAC Glam Lipstick

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder:
This is a great affordable setting powder, for the size and quality it is well worth the money. I have been using the shade "Translucent" and it is an excellent powder for setting my highlight because it doesn't cake and really improves the length of time my concealer/foundation lasts. I love this so much this is actually a repurchased product of mine. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation:
This is yet another product I have repurchased! Now if you have seen my foundation collection you will know that it is a BIG DEAL for me to repurchase a foundation because my collection stands at close to 30 different types of foundation already. (Who needs 30 different foundations? I do okay!) But I love this foundation for everyday use as it has nice light medium coverage with a natural dewy finish. It also smells good too!

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer:
Ladies (and gentlemen) I would like to introduce you to my HOLY GRAIL concealer. Now holy grail is not a term I throw around lightly and I was sceptical of all the hype surrounding this concealer at first, but let me tell you, the people are right. This concealer is fantastic. It's the only concealer I have found in my long journey of concealer searching that has amazing coverage without being cakey. It's also the least creasing concealer I have tried in my lifetime. 

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso:
Milani you have stolen my heart with your little golden baked blushes. I currently only own two of these but plan on collecting them like Pokemon! (That was a gotta catch them all reference... Okay... No more pokemon references from now on) Luminoso is a gorgeous shimmery peachy shade that would suit most skin tones and is very pigmented for a "drugstore" product! If you haven't tried Milani blushes yet I was seriously recommend them!

MAC Glam Lipstick:
Okay if you read my blog, or just my last post even, you will now know I am IN LOVE with this lipstick. The colour is a gorgeous blue based red, it doesn't bleed or transfer and lasts ages on my lips even though it's not a long-wearing lipstick. 

So that's it for this months favourites, what products made the cut for you guys?!
Don't forget to check out my other social media pages and follow me:


-Katerina xxx.


Wednesday, May 28, 2014

MAC Glam Lipstick | Review + Swatch.


Greeting my lovely readers and welcome to today's post! In this post we are discussing all things related to MAC's Glam Lipstick and I've thrown in a few swatches for fun too! 


I believe Glam is a 'Limited Edition' colour that was sold a few years ago and has since been brought back back for yet again, a limited time. In saying this I recommend you run straight to your local MAC counter if you are a red lipstick fanatic like me because this colour is GORGEOUS. It is my new favourite shade of red lipstick.

Glam has a gorgeous matte finish and is a blue-based red so it's going to make your teeth look nice and white and the formula is simply amazing. It doesn't dry out my lips like other matte colours do and it stays put for HOURS! I even drank two glasses of water and the glass was spotless and my lips were still vibrant. 



Oh MAC you really won my heart with this one.

What colour should be my next MAC lipstick purchase? After using this baby I feel like I need more of them in my life!

Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

-Katerina xxx

Monday, May 19, 2014

Meiskin: Kokonut Kreme | Review



Hi beauties and welcome back to my blog!

On today's agenda is a review of the relatively new skincare brand on the market; Meiskin, and their *Kokonut Kreme moisturiser.

First off I believe Meiskin's products are solely available on their website ( http://www.meiskin.com.au/ ) which means you will not come across these in any stores (YET!). However, despite their lack of retailers this Australian natural skincare brand is gathering quite a large following on the social media fronts and are becoming a well known name.




Now on to the good stuff, I recently came in the possession of their "Kokonut Kreme" . On their website Meiskin states:

Meiskin’s Kokonut Kreme is our newest all-over body lotion with a blissful coconut and vanilla hit that works to moderately drench and smooth the skin while leaving a ever so sweet and yummy scent upon your skin.

Now if you follow my Instagram (which you should: @Katerina_Beauty_Blog), you will know I am a SUCKER for anything coconut or vanilla scented and this is a double wammy! I really can't get enough of how good this smells. Seriously. Sometimes I will pick up the bottle just to smell it. If I could have any product made in to a food I would want this and it would be DELICIOUS.

Moving on, this formula of this light blue moisturiser is quite thick and creamy. It is such a great rich consistency I love to apply this at night and in the morning my skin is a soft as a babies booty! Now as I said this is quite a rich formula and that is why I mostly use it at night and I understand feeling "buttered up" isn't everyone's cup of tea but I LOVE IT.

Another quick note, it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin! Which is always a plus.





So overall this product gets a big THUMBS UP from me and someone needs to create an edible version of this because it smells so good I don't think I can control myself around it for much longer.

Don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

-Katerina xxx.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Makeup of the Night | Black Smokey Eye




Greetings again my lovelies and welcome to my first Face of the Day/Makeup of the Day/Makeup on the Night/Whatever you want to call it but it's all about the makeup I wore POST! 

I went out with the girls a few nights ago to grab some fancy pants cocktails and thought I'd do my makeup extra dramatic for the occasion. I decided to go with a black smokey eye and nude lips and this is how it turned out:


Why yes I do suffer from "Bitchy Resting Face" and promise I'm not as mean as I look ;) Now for a close up:


Products used:
Benefit Porefessional Primer
L'Oreal True Match Foundation shade W4
Rimmel Match Perfecting Translucent Powder
Bourjois Blush shade 16 
Mary Lou-Manizer by The Balm
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Notting Hill Nude
L'Oreal Super Stay Lipliner
Sigma Brow Duo in Dark
Anastasia Beverley Hills Clear Brow Gel
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette: Buck
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette: Blackout & Foxy
Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner in Blackest Black
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof eyeliner in Black
Creme Eyelashes #48
Lancome WP Flex Mascara

If you guys would like to know how I created this look I filmed a GRWM (Get Ready With Me) video whilst I did it, which you can find here:


Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed viewing my makeup and we shall talk again soon. Please feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below, I love hearing from you guys!

And don't forget to follow me at my other social media pages:

Lots of love,
Katerina xxx.