Chimera nail polish review

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year! I am so slow with my updates due to my working hours. I worked on Christmas, Boxing day, New Years eve and New years day! Yes, i have no social life haha.

This year is gonna be a busy year for me I hope i can still maintain this blog by updating it more. I know readers tend to get bored of blogs easily due to lack of updates and tutorial. And with my work its hard to catch up! I've still got a lot of reviews to be done, tutorials and so on, so hopefully i can get onto it ASAP.

I was sent some nail polish to try out few weeks back and finally got onto doing the review.
Linh, the owner of Chimera contacted me to review the products. I goggled to see what the company is all about and its a nail polish company based in Melbourne, in fact it is made and based in Australia!

So after browsing through the website and seeing all the gorgeous colors i wondered why i've never come across this brand before. I don't know whether i've been hiding a rock all that this time or the company is still quite new. I've searched for the brand on VOGUE forum but nothing came up.

I do believe OPI and China glaze is quite popular especially with the color range they have as well as the captivating nail polish names! Dare i say Chimera quality is just as good as OPI/China glaze!

I've been trailing the nail polish for about a week and i'am quite impressed. Usually nail polish don't last a week on me especially when i'am working because i am constantly washing my hands. I hate it when nail polish starts to peel off, if not it chips off and it looks tacky! I have a habit of peeling and scratching nail polish off when i'am bored, but i had a hard time scratching Chimera nail polish off my nails! Also, the nail polishes are chip resistant!

I love how the nail polish glides on really creamy and it doesn't look streaky. I got little sample bottles as well as full size ones, i think i much prefer the brush in the sample bottle than the full size one. The brush in the sample bottle is bigger and thicker which i personally prefer. I only need to apply 1 stroke and it covers my entire nail, where as the full sized bottle brush is thinner and i need to do several strokes to cover the entire nail. But i guess the thinner brush gives you more control and precise finish. With Chimera nail polish i need a maximum of 2 coats but it also depends on how intense you want the color.

There are 130 colors to choose from so you won't have any trouble finding something for yourself. Any trouble i had was choosing the colors because there are so many gorgeous colors to select from!

The website is easily accessible and the colors are categorized so it makes finding colors nice and easy. A great function tool on the site is 'Play time' If you're not sure whether the color you chose is right for you, All you need to do is select your skin tone on the animated hand, then choose the nail color you like to see on yourself and voila!

The company do accept paypal so it is safe to shop. I'am not sure whether they ship worldwide but do email them to double check.

The only thing which bothers me is the price. The cheapest nail polish starts from about $7.50 and the most expensive is $14.95. That is a lot of money for nail polish and I've never purchased nail polishes for more than $5 before. But you can't complain considering you are paying for something which is in fact top quality and made in Australia.

Now if i've scared you off with the price don't worry, I have a discount code for all my readers. You get 25% off the entire range when you enter 'BEAUTYSPOT' at check out. If you don't have spare cash to shop cause of the Chrsitmas, Boxing Day and New Years, don't worry the discount code is valid until 31st of March 2010!

The goodie bag:

Color chart:Number 84 Fantasy

Number 105 (pretty magenta color)Number 130

Number 33Number 129

Number 28 let me inNumber 51 Romantic night in ParisPerfect nude color!

Chimera quick dry top coat

Japanese inspired 'gyaru'makeup

A much requested look Japanese inspired 'gyaru' makeup. This look was quite fun and easy to do. I don't normally wear my eyeliner like that, in fact i haven't been wearing makeup at all. So It was quite weird seeing myself with makeup on.

So this is what i came up with not exactly gyaru style but somewhat inspired. Flawless face, light eyebrows, rosy cheeks, false lashes and lots n lots of eyeliner & winged at the end. The main focus is the eyes and cheeks so the lips i kept it neutral/nude. Oh, and of course curly hair! I was wearing my circle lens but my eyes kept watering so i had to take them out.

FACE:
YSL matt touch primer
Clarins instant light perfector
Smashbox foundation
Le Femme blush palette
MAC Refined golden bronzer
Atelier foundation pressed powder

EYES:
Maybelline liquid eyeliner
Model.21 false lashes in number 7
Dark brown e/s
white shimmery e/s
Eyeko mascara
Benefit high brow

LIPS:
MAC C-Thru lip glass

Japanese inspired 'gyaru' makeup

close up

For those who are interested, Crushcosmetics have now added new products to the website!! Check out the Barry M new blushes as well as bronzer and my all time fav eyeliner! There is also a ton of Milani and limecrime cosmetics.

I know the Prices seem to be quite expensive for drug store brands but to me its reasonable. Keep in mind shipping charges from O/S is very expensive, not only that other charges are inclusive also.

FREE NYX lipliner is still available to all my readers with any purchase. Simple enter 'Elizabeth' in the comment box to get the free gift!

Video:

Skin MD Natural shielding lotion

DISCLAIMER: I was sent the product to do a review and i'am not getting paid nor am i affiliated with the company. This review is clearly based on my honest opinion and findings.

Enter 'beautyspot' to receive 20% off on all products until end of the year!

Product description: Credits to skinmdnatural.com
Shielding lotion is a lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin and keeps out irritants and chemicals. It also allows the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better. It is a big advantage that shielding lotions are light and go on without a greasy mess

A conventional lotion is not formulated to protect the skin like a shielding lotion does. Conventional lotions only add surface moisture to temporarily alleviate dry skin or itching. Shielding lotions stay on because they bond with the skin and protect it for long periods of time. With this protection in place your skin keeps its own moisture in and has a chance to use this natural moisture in the deep layers of the skin to heal itself

How it works: Credits to skinmdnatural.com
Shielding lotion helps bond the outer layer of your skin you can keep irritants out and moisture in. Because most moisturizers do not seal in the body's own moisture, they artificially lubricate the outer layers of skin. When they wear off, the lubrication is gone and the original dryness remains. Sometimes this process will draw out the body's natural moisture and contribute to the dehydration process.

Ingredients: View here to see the complete list of what each ingredient is
Deionized water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Vera), Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-20, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Arnica Montana Flower Extract (Arnica), Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract (Comfrey), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract (Chamomile), Achillea Millefolium Extract (Yarrow), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2 Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol

Where to purchase:
www.skinmdnatural.com/

Formulas available:
Skin MD natural shielding lotion and Skin MD natural shielding lotion SPF 15

Price:
$18 for one, or order 1 of each formula for $25. There is Christmas offer You can also get it in bulk. Click here

Size:
4oz bottle, will last approx 2 months depending how the amount you use also available in gallon

What i like:
-non greasy and doesn't feel sticky
-moisturizer is light and absorbs by the skin very fast, feels like i'm wearing no moisturizer
-helps minimize the appearance of rosacea
-helps with my eczema
-totally love the SPF version
-100% natural ingredients, no break outs, yay!

What i don't like:
-Packaging. I'am a sucker for pretty packaging. Its one of those bottle which you press on the top half and the product comes out. If you're not careful a lot of product will squirt out! But in the end your not paying for a high end

My verdict:
I've been using this product for the past week or 2. Generally i will use a product for about a week before i do the review. I must admit So far so good. I was a bit reluctant when i checked out the website. Like every other skincare product out there claims to do, it sounded too good to be true!

This lotion is 3 in 1 so it can be used on face, body and hands. I've only been testing it on my face cause it seems to be a waste to test it on my body.

The lotion is very light weight and feels very refreshing. When applied the lotion absorbs into your skin and doesn't feel like your wearing any moisturizer at all. It works well when i wear mineral foundation it gives a better and smoother application and the powder doesn't just sit on my pores.

The consistency is gel like and you only need the tiniest amount for the face. Although the bottle seems tiny you will be getting your money worth. Unless you plan to use it for your body i suggest getting the gallon (although it is quite pricey!)

I have very very VERY mild rosacea on my cheeks (you probably can't even tell) because my skin is quite thin and because i'm a tad on the pale side, the redness tends to be more obvious. After a week i noticed the redness isn't as noticeable anymore. My face feels hydrated and i don't have little dry patches anymore.

Apparently it helps with scarring but i haven't noticed anything with my scars. Since summer is here this would be perfect for sunburn cause it contains aloe vera as well as camomile for healing purposes.

I also got sent a sample size of the SPF version. I loved it so much i used it all up and didn't even have a chance to show you! The SPF version feels really light and doesnt have that sunscreen smell. It didn't clog my pores nor did i break out! My skin is quite sensitive to a lot of skin care products, iam glad i didn't break out!

Overall, i am quite impressed with the product although i didn't have high hopes with any drastic changes it would make to my skin. After all I 'am after hydration then anything but i like how the lotion very moisturizing and makes my skin very soft and doesnt leave a greasy film.

Skin MD natural ships worldwide and currently they have Christmas specials going on, don't forget to check it out at http://www.skinmdnatural.com/christmas-special.html

Rating:
4.5/5

Will i purchase with my own money?
I will definitely purchase this with my own money especially the SPF15 version. Since its summer in Australia now i hate wearing sunscreen because it makes my face feel all greasy. But the SPF15 is truly amazing! I can't rave enough about it!

Skin MD Natural shielding lotion

SPF versionBefore:

Applied:

After a week

Soft waves using Babyliss curling iron

I was never a fan of using curling irons because i don't find it hot enough compared to flat irons and it doesn't hold the curls, and i don't curl my hair often so i didn't bother getting one.

But in the end i gave up I bought the Babyliss ceramic 1 1/2 (38mm) curling iron. I couldn't get my hair to curl the first few times i tried using it but it took some practice for me cause i'am no good with hair!

So i had a play with it and finally i can achieve big natural soft curls/wave. The curls aren't exactly the tight curls you get when using the flat iron, instead its soft wavy curls which gives it a more natural look which i like.

To achieve better results best to curl your hair 1-2 days after your hair is washed. Otherwise it doesn't curl very well and its not as long lasting. Instead of using hairspray to set the curls i used licido-l mosit hair cream. Its non tacky makes the curls look more softer and natural. I don't like hair spray because it makes it look hard and not as 'bouncy'

BTW, anyone aware of the FTC (Federal trade commission) guideline on youtube? I'am not sure whether it applies to all Countries. The guideline is you MUST put a disclaimer on every single product you are using in the video and reviewing, whether you were sent the product, purchased the product with your own money, paid to do the review and how much and whether you are afilliated with the company. I have no idea whether its legit or not, if anyone has any info please let me know.

The look:
Babyliss 1 1/2" curling iron (32mm) Purchased from ebay.com.au for about $60Licido-l moist hair cream LINK to website. I purchased this while i was in HK from sasa but can't seem to find the same one, but they have the foam version. I' am not sure where you can get this online, anyone?
Video:

Morning face routine

This was requested a while back and finally got onto it! Not a tutorial really just a short video of what products i use in the morning and how i use it. Also this is what i do prior to applying makeup/foundation so it makes the foundation look smooth and gives you a clean canvas to work on.

Products i use can be purchased from sasa.com strawyberrynet and Missha. The only product which i can't seem to find is my HG Clarity blackhead cleanser! If you are in the UK it can be purchased from Superdrug.

First i use Missha Liqidly facial cleanser milk peel. Its a gentle exfoliator which helps remove dead skin and cleanses away impurities. It also makes my skin feel smooth and look whiter and more polished. Can be purchased from the store or HERE for $18.90AUD

Next, i use Kanebo Naive facial cleansing foam pomegranate. Helps remove dirt and grease from the pores and pomegranate helps to moisturise the skin. This can be purchased from sasa HERE for $3.40AUD

I then use a toner to tighten the pores and oil control on mt t-zone. The toner is use is from Superdrug in UK and i can't seem to find it online anywhere!

I use Skin MD natural sheilding lotion to restore moisture. I love this lotion because its very light weight and feels like i'm not wearing anything at all. It contains healing properties such as aloe vera and camomile, good thing is its all natural ingredients and suitable for sensitive skin. Can be purchased HERE for $18USD. I will be doing a r/v soon!

And last, i use Clarins beauty flash eye revive cream. I am usually allergic to most eye cream out there cause of the alcohol content i believe, but i've had no problems with this one. It moisturises and helps reduce puffiniess, can be purchased HERE for $44.50USD

Remeber i had those gel nails a few weeks back? Well i've taken them off but didn't make a tutorial for it, damn! I bascially use pure acetone and soaked it until it came off. The nails lasted about nearly 2 weeks but i kept peeling it cause i was bored! I was quite impressed with it though, it didn't lift like acrylics did.

My nails did get a lot thinner when i took them off thats why i didn't want to leave them on for too long. But currently i am using Revitanail to help restore my nails.

Acrylic tips gel overlay
1 1/2 week: started growing out and i peeled off the nail on my middle finger
Soaked off with acetonefiled and Buffed, doesn't look too bad!

Video:

Just to warn you i' am bare naked (face) in the video so beware. No one wake up looking perfect every morning, well at least i don't!
Stupid still image!

Summer look featuring Barry M cosmetic

I seem to be coming and going quite often and i think its becoming a reoccurring habit too! I've been on a mini holiday to Hobart the past 5 days and i' am still on holiday mode at the moment which totally sucks!

I don't want to get into too much detail with my personal life cause overall this is my makeup blog, hence why i keep this blog strictly about makeup only! So i finally went to sus out Hobart i always knew i would move there, but of course going there myself to see the place is a different story. I loved it there! Its a very quite place which i love and the weather is my kinda weather, Melbourne is just too hot for me! I also love the view everywhere you go you can see the mountain/sea. I will be moving there hopefully early next year!

Enough of me blabbing on i did this tutorial a while back using Barry M cosmetics which was sent to me by crushcosmetics. This look is perfect for summer! I kept the face and lips minimal and played up the eyes with blue eyeliner on my lash line. The blue looks more vibrant in person.

I'm trying to do a series of summer looks but i can't seem to find anytime considering i work 6 days a week. I will also be holding a contest/give away i am still unsure what contest so i'am still working on that! Anyway, enjoy!

FACE
Eyeko 3 in 1 cream
Smashbox foundation
EDM pressed powder
Red earth blush in brown sugar

EYES:
Face of Australia eyeliner in black
Barry M blue eyeliner
Barry M dazzle dust in blue
Tiffa mascara base
Mascara
Eyeko mascara

The look:

Video:
I don't understand why my photos on youtube always turn out RED!

Barry M Cosmetics by crushcosmetics

Finally, an Australian website which carries out NYX, Urban Decay, China Glaze and Barry M!! I was starting to get sick of shopping on online o/s especially NYX products, the products are cheap but the shipping works out to be more expensive than the items itself!

Lina, from crushcosmetics sent me some Barry M products to try out. I've already tested out this brand while i was in London and had bought 1 item. I was kicking myself when i came bk to Australia for not buying more! My favorite product is the retractable eyeliner i've been raving if you haven't heard already!

Barry M products are affordable, even though it is a drug store brand in London the quality is no difference compared to other top brands. I love the fact how there is so many colors to choose from.

I am waiting to try out the new blushes Barry M had launched, the colors are so pretty! Ans Lina from crushcosmetics will be getting the blushes in!

Good new is any of my readers ordering from crushcosmetcs will get a FREE NYX lipliner until stock lasts. All you need to do is comment ''Elizabeth'' in the comment box. So go check out the website and start shopping! There is a wide variety of NYX cosmetics and China glaze nail polish!

crushcosmetics.com.au

To get the free gift Enter "Elizabeth" in the comment field to get your FREE NYX lip liner!

The goodies:

Dazzle dust in 22Lip gloss in baby pink:Lipstick marshmellow Nail paint flemmingo pinkEyeliner pen in blue not featured on website:

Lipgloss in baby pink & flemmingo pink on nails

Left: lipstick in mashmellow

Right: Lipgloss baby pink

flemmingo pink nail paintvideo:
I' am NO good at doing videos and believe it or not i was quite nervous! I guess thats why i never made videos while talking? This will be my last talking video haha. Stupid thumb nail image!