M.A.C Dazzleshadow Review "Get Physical"

Let's get physical, physical, I wanna get... Olivia! Stop it!... I've got chills, they're multiplying....arghh! Olivia Newton-John, I told you to stop it! Go back to the 70s when you were at your best and...and...take that Dazzleshadow... no, I mean, leave that Dazzleshadow... man this Dazzleshadow has got me feeling the fever, I think I might have to fan myself for a bit...

Where was I? Oh yeah, getting physical. The eyeshadow that is, not me. I have had this little one in my drawer just begging to be taken out on the dance floor and getting on some Saturday Night Fever. That's it. I think this eyeshadow has put me through a timewarp. Must be the sparkles. Did I ever mention that I love sparkles? The more sparkles in your life, the happier you'll be in my opinion. I really like sparkles.

I was looking for a purple shadow to add to my collection, and given that I love sparkles (did I mention that already?), I actually felt myself being metaphysically pulled towards this collection. M.A.C describe the formula as "the perfect union of cream and powder, creating a multidimensional, reflective surface that leaves lids looking dazzling yet delicate." Get Physical is touted as being a purple with light blue sparkles, but M.A.C, oh M.A.C, it is sooo much more than that.

Firstly this eyeshadow is packed full of those sparkles I so love that it made it almost impossible to photograph. One angle you see purple, another blue, then, lo and behold, taupe brown and silver! It's so multidimensional that I almost didn't purchase it because I thought it was a blue shade! However, I did my homework (as usual) and realised that this was the purple I was after. As with most of M.A.C's new collections, this eyeshadow is not available in the pro pan refill. It came with a little insert instructing users to treat it delicately so I have forgone another de-potting exercise. So, without further ado, welcome to the collection "Get Physical"!!

Believe it or not, this is a purple eyeshadow!

Is it purple.....taupe..... or maybe silver?

OR

is it blue?

As you can now see, the initial photos are a little deceiving, however that can happen with the first layer of a new eyeshadow, especially one with so many different shades competing for the limelight. 

Next was the finger trial. I seriously kept this one untouched until I could take my initial photos so it wouldn't be spoiled for you all - how's that for restraint and/or dedication?! Again, you will see some different shades in the photos. Just so we're clear, I'm not giving anybody the finger...well, maybe to the photographer, my husband...

You can also see that there is a bit of fallout, but that is probably par for the course with so much...sparkle! 

Finally, the arm test. I have taken a few so that you can see the different colours that seem to pop out when photographed under a different light or angle.

Well, I'm not sure what you see, but under this light Get Physical doesn't seem purple, but more like its cousin Satin Taupe laden with bucketloads of  green, blue, pink and silver sparkles.When I was taking the photo 

 it looked purple with green sparkles! I think perhaps our friends at M.A.C put some psychedelic mushrooms into this formula...

The Wrap

I think this shadow could really pop with other darker shades to give it a bit more oomph, and given the many different hues it casts, could probably work with most eye colours and skin tones. There is a bit of fallout, as to be expected with such an amount of sparkle so I would say, treat this one gently and blend to work it to its full potential.

I am yet to give this a full test on the lids, but am really looking forward to getting myself all physical and putting it through its paces on the dance floor. Or the Pilates studio, whatever. As long as there are headbands and fluorescent leotards, I think we can keep Olivia happy with her eyeshadow and in the 70s where she belongs. So who wants to come on a trip with me and do the time warp again?

xoAllisonWonderland

Clinique Gift with Purchase at David Jones (October 2015)

First of all, I would like to apologise for the lack of posts under the Gift With Purchase umbrella, but quite frankly, they have been somewhat underwhelming of late. I was nearly snagged by Lancôme recently, however apart from the full size cleanser (which received mixed reviews around town), all the other items were a bit, as the French say, bof (meaning "meh", meaning...shrug).

As the department stores are starting to gear up for the festive season (yes, Estée Lauder has already released its Blockbuster pack), Clinique has come through with a gift which caught my eye. Before I tell you why I think this one might be worth the $60 spent on product, below is an outline of what is included in the gift:

Until 11 October 2015, for the purchase of $60.00 from Clinique at David Jones you will receive your 8 piece gift:

1. Even Better Brightening Moisture Mask 7ml (full size retails at $52.00)

2. Even Better Skintone Correcting Moisturiser SPF15 15ml (50ml retails at $90.00)

3. Liquid Facial Soap - Mild 30ml (200ml retails at $29.00)

4. Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion + 30ml (50ml retails at $29.00)

5. Instant Lift for Brows - Soft Blonde .24g (full size .52g retails at $38.00)

6. Chubby Stick Intense Moisturising Lip Colour Balm in Roomiest Rose (retails at $35.00)

7. High Impact Mascara in Black 3.5ml (full size retails at $38.00)

8. Cosmetics Bag

At a first glance this gift also seems a bit underwhelming, until you take a look at how much of it you would use. With dry skin, the first thing I look at when investing in cosmetics for a GWP is how much of the gift I would use and is there something in there that I would really like to try.

Firstly, I always use mini mascaras, and I quite like Clinique's High Impact mascara so that one is a tick. I find that facial masks are few and far between in GWPs, so the inclusion of a moisture mask, albeit small, is a plus for me. I could probably pass over the moisturisers and the facial soap, given I need pharmacy strength moisturiser, but they can be used for visitors or in the gym bag.

The two items which caught my eye were the Chubby Stick (that is a seriously bad name Clinique) and the Brow pencil. I am a lip gloss/balm addict and would really like to give it a try to test whether it can be both moisturising over a long period and hold its colour. I am also a fan of pinks so the colour is right up my alley. From what I have read online about the brow pencil, the two in one product actually does give your brows a lift and cuts down on the need to pluck and wax eyebrows to get the shape you want. I think this remains to be seen, but I would like to give it a try.

This gift certainly doesn't look as pretty as Lancôme or Estée Lauder, packaging is key sometimes, but I don't think too many of these products will get lost in the bottom of a drawer. If you want to cash in on a freebie before the Christmas packs hit the shelves, perhaps give this one a try. 

xoAllisonWonderland

Clarins Gift with Purchase at Myer (August 2015)

Hit Me Baby One More Time!

Wow, Clarins is on fire at the moment! Not even one month after the expiry of their previous GWP at Myer, there is another gracing the shelves of the Clarins counter at Myer until Sunday 30 August 2015.


As per usual, in one transaction you need to purchase two products, one being skincare, to qualify for the gift.

The core products of the gift are as follows:

1. Cleansing Milk for normal or dry skin 100ml (200ml retails at $44)
2. Moisture-Rich Body Lotion 100ml (200ml retails at $50)
3. Beauty Flash Balm 30ml  (200ml retails at $55)
4. HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase 15ml (30ml retails at $72)
5. Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector No.06 Rosewood Shimmer 5ml (full size tube retails at $28)

Plus your choice of the following sets:


Firming Gift

1. Toning Lotion for normal or dry skin 50ml (200ml retails at $40)
2. Extra Firming Day Cream (50ml retails at $100, unfortunately there is no indication of the sample size on the flyer)

Restoring Gift

1. Toning Lotion for normal or dry skin 50ml (200ml retails at $40)
2. Super Restorative Day Cream (50ml retails at $130, unfortunately there is no indication of the sample size on the flyer)

Protecting Gift

1. Toning Lotion with Iris 100ml (200ml retails at $40)
2. Multi-Active  Day Cream (50ml retails at $62, unfortunately there is no indication of the sample size on the flyer)

For all Clarins fans, I suggest stocking up whilst the goodies are being practically thrown at you. Before you know it, Christmas will be upon us and the next GWP will be around February (just hazarding a guess). My hubby is a bit more cynical and thinks there are a few products with expiration dates looming, but I choose to live in ignorant bliss and keep my everlasting faith in the goodness of a Gift with Purchase.

xoAllisonWonderland

It's a Lush Life

On a hot Summer day back in February, I never expected that I would take a look down the Rabbit Hole which is Lush and end up falling down it.

As you all know, I'm pretty much a department store cosmetics gal, always with an eye out for a Gift with Purchase (don't worry, I have another one for you today). However, I was torn from the pristine Cosmetics counters of Bourke Street and drawn to, what I initially thought was, a strictly "hippie" store in which I had no place being let alone shopping.

I was out buying a birthday gift for my bestie who is probably best described as the polar opposite of me. Hence how I found myself in the Swanston Street store of Lush. Lush is all about handmade products produced locally and sourced from ethical ingredients which are not tested on animals. Already, I was feeling like a better person for just standing in the store. Being what I would probably consider to be a hippie store, I guess I expected everything to look a bit drab and brown and be maanned by greasy haired and B/O infused sales assistants. Whilst some of the sales assistants did fit that category (who am I to judge, my sisters used to call me 'Neil Neil Orange Peel' ref. the Young Ones), what I was surprised to see was shelves filled with beautifully crafted products, colours, gift sets and even sparkles! I do love a good sparkle. After carefully selecting a gift set for my bestie and a Valentines Gift for my hubby (hand a body scrubs cos he's a bit of a green thumb and handy man), I quickly picked up a copy of their catalogue and took the gifts home to be hidden in the back of my closet until it was time.

It wasn't that long until I found myself inside the Lush store again, although this time I had a shopping list. Needless to say, the Birthday and Valentine's day gifts went down very well and, after pouring over the Lush catalogue, my husband sent me with a laundry list of items he wanted to try. To give you some kind of idea, my husband is not a blokey bloke, nor a typical Gen Y. He's French, from a hospitality background turned househusband and now handyman. Hence, he can get pretty dirty, sweaty and generally a bit gross after a day's work, even if it is just with the kids. For some unknown reason, he was drawn to the Lush products like, well, me in a cosmetics department full of GWPs. I don't think there was an item in the catalogue that he didn't tick, but fortunately was able to whittle it down to a precious few. That day I left the Lush store with a few boxes of Toothy Tabs (for heinous smelling breath, sorry hubby), a Godiva shampoo bar (seriously, shampoo in a bar?), matching shampoo bar tin, Porridge exfoliating soap and a few extra samples the lovely sales assistants put into the bag.

A few days later something strange came upon me during my morning shower routine. I was washing my hair, trying to figure out what the heavenly smell was. I love my Enjoy Luxury Shampoo, but that wasn't it. Using my keen sense of smell I traced it to the Godiva shampoo bar. Every time I hopped into the shower I looked forward to starting my day envigorating myself with that luscious perfume eminating from the Godiva shampoo bar. I didn't use it cos, like, gross - it had my husband's hair in it which kinda looks like something else unmentionable, but it was intoxicating.

The next time I visited Lush it was to stock up on Toothy Tabs for hubby and also ask if they had a similar fragrance in a shower gel. Lo and behold, the powers that be smiled upon me that day because out came a bottle of the nectar of the gods under the guise of a Flying Fox:

Flying Fox, a.k.a Heaven in a bottle

I think it was the mixture of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Palmarosa and honey that got me. If you look at their website, and I quote "Our boss, Mark C, originally thought that it’d suit stroppy women prone to moods. By all means, write to him with your opinions on that." He might possibly be right on that one. But that wasn't the only thing that drew me into their products. You will see on the back of each product a sticker with the date it was made, expiration date, and even the name and avatar of the person who made the product! I bought a small 100ml bottle a month or so ago and it was made by Kale. Not the leafy green that seems to grace the ingredients list of any juice commanding $10 a pop, but a real boy! That would be the first time that I have ever really seen the person who has made any of my products. Maybe it's a marketing gimmick, but I think it's part of their brand ethos, so I'm willing to be a bit naïve. If anybody wants to prove or disprove the "made by" sticker, feel free to leave a comment.

I returned to Lush a couple of times, tempted to buy another bottle of Flying Fox, but just couldn't come to terms with forking out $30.00 for a 500ml shower gel. Sounds ludicrous when you can get 1 litre of Palmolive for $9.00 at Priceline. It wasn't until yesterday that I realised how much I had become addicted to my morning pick-me-up. Faced with using the last few drops of the elixir of the gods, I felt that I couldn't face the day without it. After work, I did my usual check of the Bourke Street stores for the latest GWPs, tried some swatches of M.A.C kaleidoscope eyeshadows (mostly sold out, but on my hit list), and finally succumbed to what was my fate. Flying Fox was part of my life and I could not go on in denial. After taking a few hits of the delicious fragrance, I decided to jump in the deep end and purchase the 500ml bottle. Now, can you take a guess at who made it?

My mate Kale, plus the list of ingredients 

After all is said and done, buying a product which supports the local economy seems to justify the spend and, in my opinion, I smell heavenly. Plus I think the boss, Mark C, was onto something.

With that, I am going to sit down with a glass of bubbly and enjoy the Lush Life.

Eyeshadows, Eyeshadows, Eyeshadows (Part 3, Finale...for now)

Before you dive off the highest diving board at the local pool, do you get that anxious, giddy, adrenaline fuelled feeling in your stomach? And when you finally get the guts to jump, you just have to do it again and again?

That was me. I jumped into the abyss of the abundance of M.A.C eyeshadows and only came up for air enough time to dive in again. It was pure madness laced with the ecstasy of gold.

It would not be true if I was to say that I didn't have moments of clarity. Yes, I was obsessed. Yes, I needed my next fix almost as soon as I had my last, but that doesn't mean that I didn't do my research. If there is one thing I love the most, it is researching a product. Makes the buy all that more sweet.

My go to girl for eyeshadow hints for newbies was, and still is, Sarah Caron: http://www.eyeshadowaddictsanonymous.com/ . Her blog contains great guides on shades for your eye colour and complexion, as well as guides to the eyeshadows and finishes themselves.

The second time I ventured into the M.A.C Pro Store I was no longer afraid. I had taken a bite of the apple proffered by the serpents whilst basking in every last lick of their serpentine fire and discovered that this was my Eden. Once I had lifted the thin veil shielding me from a world in which I felt I didn't belong, it was as if I had opened my eyes for the first time after years of wearing a blindfold. Everything looked shinier, colours seemed brighter and people appeared happier.  I had been seduced into their world and was loving every bit of it. It was at this time that I knew there was no turning back. I had gone way past the fear I had first felt upon taking a bite of the forbidden fruit and was almost instantaneously transformed into fully fledged eyeshadow junkie.

From the moment I popped that first eyeshadow into my custom palette, I heard it. The Siren's Call. I could not ignore it, for it only got louder the more research I did into my drug of choice. I obsessively compiled my list of new shades to collect, knowing that there was little time before I would need to take another hit, jump off the diving board and take another bite from the apple. Still, the Siren called until I could ignore it no longer. List in hand, I followed the Call up Chapel Street until it was completely deafening. My heart pumped faster as I neared the store in anticipation of finally getting to the top of the highest diving board and taking a free fall into my Eden. As I opened the door I felt my body slice through the crystalline surface of the water, almost reaching the depths of the pool. Just as I felt that I had no more breath to sustain life, my head broke through the mirrored wall and I gulped in air greedily, taking in my surroundings. It was at this point that the sound of the Siren had died down to just a murmur in my ear, and I knew that she had fulfilled her job in delivering me to her home.

Compared to the anticipation of what was to come, the act itself was almost an anticlimactic. Almost. I knew what I wanted and didn't need to be persuaded to go through with it. It wasn't until I was confronted with the array of other colours, each as beautiful and entrancing as the next, that I felt the seeds of doubt begin to take up residence in my stomach. Was I doing the right thing, or was I just hypnotised? Was it the Apple? The Siren? Was this really what I wanted? It didn't take me that long to figure out that yes, this is what I wanted. I had done my research well and there were no mistakes. With baited breath I hand picked the new jewels to add to my collection. As I paid for my purchases and left the store, I felt a sense of release and was left buzzing, eager to get home and add the pristine new shades to my palette.

Club (satin) : Brown with green contrast. Best when layered on a dark colour.

Contrast (velvet) : deep dark blue. Watch out for blending.

Patina (frost) : an awesome blend of green, pink, gold. I love it

Satin Taupe (frost) : Brown laced with grey which can be used as a blending colour or on its own.

Copperplate (matte2) : Rich and deep grey/brown. Blends like a dream

You would think that the beast inside me would feel full and satiated, but no. It was not enough. Not nearly. I needed to feel it again, the adrenaline, the fire. The Siren was calling and she was louder than ever. Within weeks of my last hit I was at it again. Counting my spare cash, anticipating the next holiday when presents were due. My mum offered to buy me some eyeshadows for my Christmas present. I was alone. My family was overseas until I was able to finish work and join them. It was when I was in the comfort of my old family home with my parents that I did it. The unthinkable. I took advantage of my gift at conjuring especially hard moments of my past and made a bet with my Dad on an event that occurred 7 years earlier. The silly man couldn't win, not against me, but he was adamant. So I suggested that we make a bet. He wins I buy him $30 worth of Violet Crumbles (if you don't know what a Violet Crumble is, look it up, it's an awesome confection). I win, an extra eyeshadow in my Christmas stocking. We shook hands and I sat back like the cat that got the cream and listened to the Siren's Call, knowing full well that I would answer.

It wasn't until I met up with my family abroad and Christmas was over that I let myself succumb to my peaking hunger. To my great astonishment, I found that M.A.C products were cheaper online where I was staying with my husband's family. That was it. I was done for. I re-researched all my products and, after a few more days of filtering and re-shuffling the items on my list, I relented and made the order to fill the final spaces in my palette, with a few extra pieces to add to my collection and gift to my in-laws. It was only a day before we were leaving to board a 24 hour flight that my package arrived. After inspecting them closely I re-packaged them carefully for the long voyage home.

Tempting (lustre) : a sparkly gold hue, one of the few lustre shades worth purchasing (so I have read) 

Sumptuous Olive (veluxe pearl) : between a gold and a green, great for blending

Black Tied (velvet) : black with a bit of sparkle

Brun (satin) : rich chocolate, a delight to work with, especially Wedge.

Vanilla (velvet) : cream blending colour that that you can't go past.

It was upon our return from overseas, jetlagged and feeling slightly ill from not sleeping for 50 hours that I remembered "the Bet". I had spoken to my mother whilst in France, who confirmed that I was right re. said date, the subject of our Bet. I tried to convince my mother that my father need not honour the Bet. I knew I was going to win so it was like taking candy from a baby. Once we were home my mother pressed an elegantly wrapped package into my hands, which slightly shook when undoing the ribbon. Inside lay three of my latest coveted eyeshadows. My father was never one from backing down on a bet (many a bottle of Glenfiddich won and lost over years with his colleagues is testament to that) and there it lay in black tissue paper. It was done. I listened for the Siren but she was silent. I didn't feel the tell-tale pull. Maybe she felt as guilty as I did. And in that moment I knew I was done.

For now....

Steamy (frost) : teal with a hint of gold

Plumage (matte): great with steamy. A deep teal blue/green. This photo does no justice

Print (satin) : great with Copperplate, Satin Taupe and black hues, I found this courtesy of a M.A.C consultant who was wearing it with Satin Taupe

Whilst AC/DC is coincidentally playing "Highway to Hell" on my iTunes, I can say that in this ends my tale of simple curiosity followed by seduction, obsession and enlightenment. I hope you have enjoyed the ride as much as I have. The Siren is still calling, but she has gone to Voicemail. For the moment.

xoAllisonWonderland

Next time : Eyeshadow Palette Reveal!

Clinique GWP at Myer (August 2015)

Ok, so we have just inspected the Lancôme GWP currently running at DJs, so now it is time to give Clinique at Myer a bit of attention under the makeup microscope.

 

 



The threshold for claiming your Clinique gift is a little lower than Lancôme at $60, so that's a plus for Clinique fans. This 8 piece gift is available until Sunday 16 August 2015. Unfortunately they didn't give me much to go on as far as giving you all an idea of the value of your gift against the retail prices, but I'll give it a go:

1. Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer : retail price is $60.00 for 50ml
2. Turnaround Daytime Revitalizing Moisturizer : retail price is $60.00 (unfortunately I couldn't even get the tube size on the official website)
3. Liquid Facial Soap Mild : retail price is $29.00 for 200ml
4. All About Eyes Serum (de-puffing eye massage) : retail price is $52.00 (again, no size on the official website)
5. Blush, seems to be a relatively neutral colour. Blushes on the website retail at around the $40.00 - $50.00 mark. This one seems to be a pretty decent size
6. Quickliner for Eyes Intense : retail price $34.00
7. Long Last Glosswear, again seems to be a relatively neutral colour : retail price $35.00
8. Cosmetics bag - who doesn't need one of those?

I must say that I prefer the Lancôme gift, there is a bit more choice. That said, I am probably biased because the Clinique Gift flyers or the website didn't provide much detail on the nitty gritty details of the gift for me to provide a good basis for comparison so perhaps I'm just a bit annoyed...

So that's a wrap folks! Let me know what you think!

xoAllisonWonderland

Lancôme GWP at David Jones (August 2015)

Well, my trip down Bourke Street Mall on a very cold Friday after work was not a fruitless expedition as I came across two decent GWPs at Myer and David Jones (patting myself on the back).

First up for my makeup microscope is the Lancôme GWP:

 

Until Sunday August 16 2015, you have your choice of 3 Gifts when you spend $75 or more at Lancôme.  Good for those who are just looking to buy one product.

The staples of the gift are :

1. Full size L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick in No. 6 Rose Nu : Retails at $50.00 and the colour is soft and subtle
2. Hypnôse Drama Mascara 2ml (full size retails at $52.00)
3. La Vie Est Belle 1.2ml perfume sample (32ml retails at $97.00)
4. Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml (20ml retails at $65.00) 
5. Galatéis Douceur Cleansing Fluid 50ml (200ml retails at $50.00)
6. Exclusive Cosmetics Bag designed by Kerrie Hess (I don't think they can put a value on this one!)

Then you get to choose from one of three skincare duos:

1. Rénergie Day Cream 15ml (50ml retails at $147.00)
2. Rénergie Eye Cream 5ml (15ml retails at $105.00)

or

1. Génifique Day Cream 15ml (50ml retails at $130.00)
2. Génifique Eye Cream 5ml (15ml retails at $88.00)

or

1. Hydra Zen Day Cream 15ml (50ml retails at $80.00)
2. Hydra Zen Eye Cream 5ml (15ml retails at $80.00)

Not too shabby a gift for a mid Winter pick me up! Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention - the David Jones Deluxe Sampler Tote is also up for the picking for $19.95 with any beauty purchase! If you don't know what I'm talking about, I think you need to go down to DJs, STAT!

Next Stop : Myer Clinique Counter!

Estee Lauder GPW @ David Jones

Apologies for the late post, it has been sooo cold and soooo busy! So why not treat yourselves to a great gift with purchase at David Jones?

I must apologise twofold. I was too cold after work on Friday to walk down to DJs and see the stats on this GWP. I have tried to show you what the gift amounts to in terms of $ so you have a better idea, but unfortunately I haven't been able to. But anyway, it looks like a good one if you have a normal complexion and skin colour.



As you can see, we have sample sized products which can give you a great idea of how it will work on your skin tone.

PS. There are never too many mini mascaras in your beauty case. I have gone many a year without buying mascara cos of great GWPs!

My Estée Lauder GWP

Just so you know that I am true to my word, I went out today and put my hands on my Estée Lauder Gift with Purchase at Priceline Pharmacy in Lilydale.

I ended up purchasing the Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II. Getting to the bottom of the bottle of Clarins Santal Oil, I thought I would try out a competitor. As I was tossing up between this and the Clarins Double Serum,  I did my research and decided to give Estée Lauder a try. As per the details on the website, Estée Lauder claims that the serum is ...'Tested and proven: Advanced Night Repair dramatically reduces the look of all key signs of ageing.' I'll let you know how it goes.

Now for my haul of goodies:

The Advanced Night Repair is front and centre, the freebies are as follows:

1. Perfectionist (CP+R) 7ml (30ml bottle $115)
2. Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Eye Creme 5ml (15ml pot $98... they were generous with the 5ml!)
3. Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Face and Neck Creme SPF15 15ml (50ml pot $150)
4. Modern Muse Body Lotion 30ml (200ml bottle $75)
5. Pure Gloss Colour in Plum Divine FULL SIZE (retails at $42!!) and the colour is divine!
6. Sumptuous Extreme Mascara Extreme Black 2.8ml (full size retails at $52)
7. Modern Muse EDP vial 2.9ml vial (30ml bottle $85)
8. Cosmetics Bag... I don't think they can put a value on this...

But Wait.... There's More!!!

My very generous Priceline Pharmacy Lilydale Sales Assistant, apart from thinking that I was too young to be buying the Advanced Night Repair (bless), threw in the following extras :

9. Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 7ml (30ml bottle $95)
10. Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Recovery Complex II 5ml (15ml pot $95)

As far as  GWP goes, this one was pretty good, a travel sized mascara is always welcome in my makeup bag(s) and I love the full sized lip gloss, a great Winter colour. The best thing about this GWP is that I get to try out a couple of ranges of specialised skincare products without forking out my hard earned... well I guess I did for the Advanced Night Repair, but I did need a replacement for my Santal Oil. It's true, really, I did!

 

So make your way down to Priceline Lilydale Pharmacy and take advantage of this great offer and the awesome staff (tell them I sent you!)

 

xoAllisonWonderland

 

 

Clarins GWP at Myer

Winter has certainly arrived and it seems the department stores know exactly what to do to chase away the winter blues...give us free stuff! With the Clarins GWP finishing this weekend at David Jones, Myer is hot on their heels with a similar yet slightly different version.

Clarins Gift Time is "officially" running From Sunday, 5 July 2015 (Myer in the CBD has already started, eager to catch people on Friday night spending sprees) through to Sunday, 19 July 2015.

Again, with the purchase of two items, (one being skincare - yes I agree, skincare is of utmost importance) you can choose either the Hydrating or Invigorating Gift.

The nice surprise in my mailbox this evening!

Apologies for the low quality scan, but I thought it worth seeing what is in both gifts. In case you like it laid out in a nice, orderly fashion (like I do, I hate it when the words seem to run into eachother), the contents of both gifts are as follows:

 

Hydrating Gift:

1. Extra-Comfort Cleansing Cream 50ml (a 200ml tube retails at $48)
2. Extra-Firming Body Lotion 100ml (a 200ml tube retails at $68)
3. Beauty Flash Balm 30ml (a 200ml tube retails at $55)
4. Hydra-Quench Cream 30ml (a 50ml jar retails at $55)
5. Tonic Body Treatment Oil 30ml (a 100ml bottle retails at $62)
6. Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector No.06 5ml (a 12ml tube retails at $26)

 Invigorating Gift:

1. Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream 30ml (a 50ml tube retails at $45)
2. Moisture-Rich Body Lotion 100ml (a 200ml tube retails at $50)
3. Exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin 100ml (a 200ml tube retails at $45)
4. Hand and Nail Treatment Cream 50ml (a 100ml tube retails at $38)
5. Beauty Flash Balm 30ml  (a 200ml tube retails at $55)

As you can see, there is one less product in the Invigorating Gift and the products seem to be worth a little less, but weigh up what you think you will use the most. Nothing worse than great skincare going off... we all know what that smells like!

All in all, I think I prefer the Gift from David Jones, just because I really like the hydrating mask. However, I am thinking of double dipping and getting the Estée Lauder GWP at Priceline and the Clarins at Myer.

Yes, I am incorrigible.

Have I tempted you all yet with this bevy of bargains?? Would love to know your thoughts!

xoAllisonWonderland

Estée Lauder Gift with Purchase (GWP)

This is for all of you who live in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The Priceline pharmacy in Lilydale used to be a normal pharmacy but kept the more up market cosmetics side of the store, and for good reason. Whilst stocking the well known brands of cosmetics, they certainly draw me in from time to time with their department store cosmetic ranges and a Gift with Purchase which is always a little different than what you will find at Myers or David Jones.

This month we are treated to a great GWP for the purchase of $70 or more from the range. Available from 28 June to 12 July 2015, you can be treated to the following gift with purchase :

The gift encloses the following:

1. Perfectionist (CP+R) 7ml
2. Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Eye Creme 5ml
3. Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Face and Neck Creme SPF15 15ml
4. Modern Muse Body Lotion 30ml
5. Pure Gloss Colour in Plum Divine
6. Sumptuous Extreme Mascara Extreme Black 2.8ml
7. Modern Muse EDP vial 2.9ml vial
8. Cosmetics Bag

Enjoy!

 

xoAllisonWonderland

Clarins Gift Time at David Jones

From 19 June to 5 July 2015, purchase 2 items from Clarins at David Jones, one being skincare,and receive your deluxe gift.

You don't believe in GWPs? I will soon post on the benefits of a good GWP.

Now, where was I? Oh yeah, stocking up on my Santal oil and cashing in on my GWP...

Eyeshadow, Eyeshadows, Eyeshadows (episode 2)

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads in life?

You can choose to go down the safe, worn, well trodden path and continue your life of buying random eyeshadows that don't really go together but looked good in the plastic tester pan at the local pharmacy, or palettes that are thrown out after a few months because only 3 of the 10 colours are suitable, but nonetheless find yourself never questioning your eyeshadow purchasing habits and therefore remain in blissful ignorance.

Or, you choose the other path, the one that, despite the demons at the gates and seemingly overpriced cover charge, leads to embarking on a journey to eyeshadow heaven.

After 17 years of walking down the same path, I chose to look into those demons' beautifully and artistically made up eyes and pay the exorbitant entry fee to open the door to a wonderland of colour, texture, beauty, quality and, 99% of the time, no more bad or regrettable eyeshadow choices.

Now, I am not insinuating that M.A.C Sales Assistants are Crossroads Demons but, although they are always beautifully made up, they can look a little intimidating. This may rattle your cage a bit and cause you to second guess going down that path, sending you back down the other path to Clueslessville.  All I can say is, don't be afraid, let them guide you and, when you balk at the thought of paying over $20 for any eyeshadow, think of all the money you will save by purchasing what YOU want to sport on your lids because, if you match it dollar for dollar, I'm pretty sure you waste more money buying a whole eyeshadow palette for one colour you like. Remember when we used to buy an entire CD for two songs we liked and still forked out $30? Then iTunes came along and we were given the power of choice which virtually eradicated the money wasted on 18 of 20 songs on a CD that we didn't really like but listened to so that the $30 spent for one or two songs could be justified. This revelation was the catalyst in my forging ahead and opening the gates which took me down a road to eyeshadow paradise, with a little (big) detour via Obsessiontown.

Let's just say it didn't take me all that long to take the detour. Probably somewhere between making my first purchases at the M.A.C Pro Store on Chapel Street and the M.A.C counter at David Jones. On the same day. I would like to say that it was due to convenience, with Chadstone being almost on the way home, but realistically, I think I was on a high. A beautiful, shimmering, endorphin inducing high brought on by the imbibing of massive quantities of hues, finishes and sparkles of the eyeshadows laid out in perfect order at the M.A.C Pro Store. I was a woman on a mission with a DJs Gift Card just begging to be handed over in exchange for my new drug of choice.

It was at this point that I encountered a small problem. You see, most M.A.C counters in department stores only sell eyeshadows in individual pots, not just the little Pro pans which slot into the Pro Palette. So as not to deter me from my purchase, the helpful Sales Assistant (not demonic at all) advised me that I could google a way to pop the pan from the pot to fit it into my palette. Relief washed over me as I realised a measly pot could not deter me from my mission to fill every little spot in the palette. After carefully choosing my shades, I handed over the Gift Card, a few extra dollars (the individual pots are more expensive than the pans) and walked away with my chic little M.A.C carrier bag holding my new treasures and a Mission (not so) Impossible on my hands.

Once home, I googled a way to pop the eyeshadows from their pans and went ahead with my task. I am not at all going to take credit for the de-popping exercise, so I will direct you to this website for tips http://www.makeupaddict.org/maceyedepot.html and admit that I enlisted the assistance of my very handy husband to pluck the pearl from the oyster (he's French, they're good with those types of things). We didn't exactly use the same utensils as in the demonstration, in our case a blowtorch was involved, and I sat to the side and looked on with baited breath as my handy husband expertly freed my gems from their plastic holding cells and I was able to behold their exquisite beauty.

 Expensive Pink (Veluxe Pearl)

A bright and happy shade that reminds me of pink champagne, laced with gold. Hence the expensive!

 Naked Lunch (Frost)

Now this is really like the Pearl from the Oyster. It has a slightly pinkish hue and blends like a dream. I guess you could say that the colour is slightly naked but the lunch part... oh, hang on.. I think I just got it...





The only downside to this exercise is that the pans don't have little magnets to secure them in the Pro Palette. The upside - I had two plastic pots ready to go back to M.A.C!

You may think that my foray into the world of M.A.C eyeshadows ended here, I mean, I bought 5 in one day. That's crazy, isn't it? But the crazy didn't stop there. It got worse. Before I knew it I was a full blown eyeshadow addict, and I wasn't going to any support group to stop it.

Stay tuned for the bender to end all benders on my final trip towards Paradise.

xo AllisonWonderland

Napoleon Perdis GWP @ David Jones

Your 8 piece gift, valued by Napoleon Perdis at $289, available exclusively at David Jones with purchase of $79 or more from the Napoleon Perdis range.

Offer available only in one transaction and while stocks last.

**Personal Comment : I have only had tried one NP product, but this gift looks pretty good to me.

Lancôme GWP at David Jones

With any purchase from the Lancôme Genefique range at your David Jones counter, receive your complimentary gift including Bi-Facil 30ml, Hypnôse Doll Eyes mascara 2ml & mini Le Crayon Khôl pencil.

Promotion from 10 May 2015 and ends on 5 July 2015 (or while stocks last, whichever occurs earlier).

**Personal comment : I love stocking up on these types of GWPs, saves having to buy mascara and eye makeup remover!!

Foundation Face-Off!

M.A.C Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation  v Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

In the Red Corner we have the newest edition to the M.A.C Foundation Family "Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation" and in the Blue Corner we have longstanding heavy weight "Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup".

Both boast staying power and whole host of other wonderful benefits from flawless coverage to humidity resistance, but only one can win the title of AllisonWonderland's inaugural

 

FOUNDATION FACE-OFF! 

 

Red Corner:
M.A.C Pro Longwear Nourishing
Waterproof Foundation

 

 

 

Blue Corner:

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

 

 

Are You Ready to RUMBLE??

  

First up, let us set the categories for comparison.

 

1. Colour Match and Consistency

2. Blending and Coverage

3. Wear and Tear

4. Brass Tacks

 

Round 1 : Colour Match and Consistency

 

M.A.C

A relatively liquid consistency, not too runny so as to waste or drip all over the place like a boxer in his last round, and not too thick to make to make you think that said boxer has gone one too many rounds of the kitchen. There are 16 shades to choose from so you should meet your match.

 

NW20

 

 

"A tenacious waterproof formula that can be used as a foundation or concealer, wearing for an unprecedented 24 hours."

www.maccosmetics.com.au

 

 

 

 

Estée Lauder

 

This foundation, although liquid, is a very different consistency to M.A.C. It's a lot more....liquid... Although not enough to drip like our friend the boxer. You don't need to go back to the pot very often with this one. I think for a light to medium coverage, a dab to each part of the face would suffice. Rinse and repeat if desired. Insofar as shade choices, there are also 16. I'm not sure they go as dark or light as M.A.C, but I would probably need to go in store again and inspect closely. For me, Cool Bone is pretty good, but perhaps a little more towards the yellow undertones compared to M.A.C as you will see from the pot photo.

 



Cool Bone





"15-hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity."

www.esteelauder.com.au

 

Winner of Round 1:

I'm sorry, it's a draw. The colour of M.A.C versus the consistency of Estée Lauder makes it hard to find a clear winner. I love the colour of M.A.C but I'm finding that the pot of Estée Lauder is almost bottomless...

Round 2 : Blending and Coverage

Let's talk coverage... whilst both can cover their territory light a lightweight boxer, Estée Lauder does require a little more help if you want a more 'made-up' look. Problem with this is, without extreme care, you can accidentally end up being a little heavy handed on the second pass. On the other hand, M.A.C is a little less needy in this domain. It can also act as the double agent and pass as a concealer. That is a big plus in the wallet department and gives any opponent a bit of a psych-out.

Blending... Again, Estée Lauder is great first up and, true to its name, stays in place and doesn't pull any punches. This means that it can be hard to blend highlighters and even a second layer after the first has set. It's a fast little one! Great if you want no fuss, light/medium coverage, not so great if you like to add other products on top. M.A.C on the other hand just seems to be the consistent hitter in this domain. Buildable and doesn't surprise you when you come to use a highlighter or other products.

M.A.C

Estée Lauder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winner of Round 2:

M.A.C is the clear winner for me here. I like that I can work with the foundation, not against it. And I can skip on the concealer if I need to.

 

Round 3 : Wear and Tear

This is going to be a very tough round as it is highly subjective, so I am going to outline the other points I look for personally in a foundation.

Comfort :

As previously mentioned, I have super dry skin and was warned off the M.A.C foundation when I first went to the counter as it could possibly stick to dry areas throughout the day. Going into Winter, I had started experiencing extreme dryness under my eyes so I was a little put-off when the SA mentioned the drying effect. I must say that I have been pleasantly surprised. CAVEAT : I am going to throw in a little pitch for Clarins as I recently changed my exfoliant to Bright Plus HP Gentle Brightening Exfoliator, and eye crème to the "Special" Eye Contour Balm Dry Skin. I have found they really help with those dry areas. If you have dry skin, I think that exfoliation and moisturising is key for both products. 

 

I wear my makeup for around 12 hours or so a day, and don't experience excessive dryness at the end of the day with either. Sure, it doesn't feel like I'm wearing nothing at all on my face, but that is also a reality of wearing a full face of makeup the whole day long.

SPF:

I usually look for a high Sun Protection Factor in a foundation due to my aforementioned dry and pale skin. I work in an office environment, but I do like to know that I could go to the beach for a couple of hours and not have to wear sunscreen beneath my foundation. Although the Estée Lauder foundation only has an SPF of 10, that is 10 more than M.A.C., which I find a bit disappointing. Something to take into consideration.

 

Meltdowns :

No, I haven't turned this into an episode of "Toddlers and Tiaras", but the melt factor is an important one for me. I try to go to the gym 3-5 times a week at lunchtime to get me away from the desk. Although unseemly, sweating is a common side effect of exercise. I don't sweat like our friend the boxer, but I do get a sheen and sometimes a slow drip if I'm pushing it on the bike. Although I really reluctantly use the shower at the gym (yes, I remember the Comedy Company jingle from the 80s about the woes of showering at the gym ...) I really don't like having to wash everything off my face and start again as that would probably double my lunch hour and my skincare/makeup stocks. Therefore, it is good to have a foundation that can pass the sweat test. Both are pretty good in this domain, they don't seem to change colour (which my Studio Sculpt had a tenancy towards), go a bit blotchy (again, Studio Sculpt, I'm looking at you) and don't rub off all that easily. The only place where M.A.C seems to have the upper hand is around the forehead hairline. Both require a little blot powder on the nose and chin after a workout, but I think that is probably fair enough.

 

In the past month I have pushed both foundations to the brink, as in application at 6.30am and cleanse off at midnight. I am leaning a little towards M.A.C for the staying power, but realistically I don't think most people would expect that much from their foundation. It is certainly a plus though.

 

Random Photo Moment:

Don't you just hate it when, for example, you start a new job and they want a photo of you for their intranet? It happened to me recently and it's so not fair to have one bad photo encapsulated as your work image until the end of time...OK maybe I am being a bit melodramatic, but I really hate that photo.

 

I did a few tests on these foundations for their ability to cope under photographic pressure. I think I had mentioned that a few reviews of Estée Lauder indicated that it can make you look a little ghostly in photos, so I have taken a couple of both foundations in low light, normal light with and without flash.

 

Low Light

 

 <  M.A.C

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

 

Estée Lauder>

 

 

Normal Light, No Flash

 

 

 <  M.A.C

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

 

Estée Lauder>

 

 

 

Normal Light, Flash

 

 <  M.A.C

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

 

Estée Lauder>

 

 

I think both contenders do quite well with a flash and not a ghost to be seen... As for low and normal light, well, there is not much I can do about being in my mid 30s except for sticking to my skincare regime. As for the dark circles, I am going to say what any normal working mother would say - I need more sleep! And possibly a weekly trip to the day spa...
  

For photos, I think I am leaning slightly towards M.A.C, but I think they are fairly even. Please let me know what you think.

 

 

Winner of Round 3:

 

So, if we add up the winners of the subcategories in this highly subjective round, we have a draw, Estée Lauder, M.A.C and a bit of a lineball (sorry, couldn't find a boxing term for that one, so I resorted to tennis).

 

 

Round 4 : Brass Tacks 

  

Well, it looks like this is going to be a bit of a barnburner! And that was boxing terminology. I know cos I looked it up. Estée Lauder is really going to have to pull up its socks here.

 

What else do we look for in a partner... ahem... sorry, I meant foundation? I would say $$ is probably on the money.

 

M.A.C

Price : AU$54

Size : 25ml

AU$216 / 100ml

Container : Tube 

 

Estée Lauder

Price : AU$50

Size : 30ml

AU$166.50 / 100ml

Container : Bottle

 

Clear winner? Maybe, or maybe not. You see, bottles can be really hard to squeeze out those last few drops so the extra 5ml you get with Estée Lauder may end up in the bin. Evened out at 25ml each, Estée Lauder is saved by the bell by a cheap $4 punch to M.A.C's chin.

 

Winner of Round 4:

 

If it all comes down to dollars and sense, Estée Lauder is our clear winner here.

 

 

And the winner is.....

 

This has certainly been no walkout bout, and I don't think I can declare a knockout. I think the deciding round is probably the most subjective. Whilst I might be steered toward M.A.C, I could be swayed by Estée Lauder by a good Gift with Purchase if it comes up at the right time, and Estée Lauder certainly knows how to fight dirty in that ring. 

 

But who said this was going to be a good clean fight?  

 

Thank you for accompanying me in the very first Foundation Face-Off. Now, who do you think the rightful winner is?

 

xo AllisonWonderland

 

PS. Ironically, If you purchase a product online from M.A.C Australia, your invoice will be from Estée Lauder Pty Ltd.