IndieAna- In Search of the HolyGrail

Of all the skincare brands on offer at TVSN, Skinn is the one that I often can't resist. Dimitri is so passionate about his products, that it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement of his demonstrations.  As you have probably noticed, I have very dark circles. I can't count how many people have asked if I have a black eye, it's never been a nasty comment, but it's so frustrating. I am always on the look out for the  miracle product that will work in this area. Ok, so I'm not expecting to see them go, but to see a lightening in the circles would be amazing.  Skinn Hylighten Dark Circle and Puffiness Treatment certainly had a name that suited my problem (well, one of them!) Taken from Skinn Cosmetics website " This super concentrated formula contains maximum levels Haloxyl, the only patented ingredient scientifically proven to diminish puffiness and under-eye dark circles caused by stress, fatigue- even genetics. Hylighten combats the 3 known ele...

I seem to be on a lip product binge, especially brights or deep colours. These I have often shied away from for fear of ending up with messy, smudged lips. But, I was slowly worn down by the many images I saw of women wearing some amazing colours. I didn't want to feel left out any longer! If you can relate, online seller, House of Beauty have such an array of lip shades, you'll be in a world of temptation. This is not my first purchase, I went into the brand more here , and posted my lip swatches here . I really couldn't resist (story of my life!) the Depeche Gurl collection that I had spotted on Instagram. It's no longer available as a set, but the shades can be bought individually. Ethereal - A pale nude with pinkish grey undertone. Revenge - Red. Gothica - Deep burgundy. I adore "Revenge". My lips aren't in the best condition to be wearing "Ethereal", but it is a lovely pale shade. "Gothica...

Description- " Top notes from Lanvin Me introduce delicate floral notes supported and sweetened by fruity zest of blueberry combined with licorice in the heart. Seductive hues are offered by intense tuberose complimenting sweet-fruity passions rounded on the fascinating base." Just bear with me while I take in this lovely fragrance.... ok, I'm back. Blueberries and licorice, mmm, what a combination. But, before you think gourmand, this perfume is not. It wasn't until I read the description that I knew licorice was even a note in this blend. I can detect now that I know, but it adds depth and density, rather than a sweet obvious stand out addition. I believe it actually creates a masculine side to this fragrance. There's warmth and heady florals, just intensified with the tart fruitiness of blueberries.  "Lanvin Me" is no wallflower, she's sexy and bold. Forget a silk negligee, this scent is all raunchy lingerie! Oh and she might be carrying a w...

I love the classic smoky eye look. I don't often create one myself, but when I put a sample of Mon Ennui "Oil Slick" aside to use, I knew that I had to create a smoky eye with it. Unfortunately it is no longer available, so I won't go into detail of the actual eye shadow. I also used 88 Warm palette Mirenesse Longwear Eye Gel in "Black" YBF Universal Brow Pencil Mirenesse Brow mascara Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara The blackened teal duo chrome really gives the look a little something extra special. Well, I know how I'll be finishing this little plastic baggie of eye shadow. I can't see myself getting sick of this look in a hurry! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

I wish I could credit the blogger who raved about Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid, it was because of her that I was convinced to grab myself a tube, and unfortunately, I seriously can't remember what blog I was reading. With a Lanolin base, the Lip Aid also contains organic lemon oil. This ingredient gently exfoliates the lips without the need for any harsh physical exfoliating ingredient. The medical grade lanolin in this product not only gives a gloss finish, it also hydrates and softens lips. The balm comes in a 12.5 tube, with screw top lid. Under the lid is a doe foot head with small hole, so you can squeeze the tube, as you apply to the lips. Not as solid as a balm, but still quite thick. I get terribly dry lips. I often have to resort to just wear a lip balm, because lipstick just does not look good on chapped lips. Even the more hydrating balm needs constant reapplication, and they still don't always leave me with the soft, smooth lips that I long fo...

Makeup Revolution releases so many new products, I'm always keen to see their next. Especially if it's a dupe of something that I have been lusting after, but not willing to part with the $$$. The Blushing Hearts from the I Love Makeup range looks very similar to a blush from another well known brand, as you will see...  Hmmm, channeling Too Faced perhaps??? Lol. I adore the cute packaging! The 3 shades included in each compact can be blended together.   "Candy Queen of Hearts"   "Peachy Keen Heart" I adore the flush of radiant, soft colour that these blushes give. Not shimmery, but more of a sheen. I think the blushes are very flattering, providing that often coveted youthful glow. As you can see from the above photos, the blushes do not detract from a bold lip, but can also work well as a feature. I can't comment on whether they perform as well as Too Faced, but for a fraction of the price these blushes are easy to apply...

This is the 2013 version of midnight. Just to let you know from reading reviews, the general consensus is that the midnight variations smell quite similar. The only other Lolita Lempicka perfume that I have tried is "Pink Sugar". It was way too cloyingly sweet for my liking, and that's saying a lot coming from a person who likes a gourmand perfume. Description- " A spicy intense scent from Lolita Lempicka, this has a resonate, attention getting essence that remains subtle enough for casual occasions. Midnight has a rich, complex construction that combines notes of aniseed, vanilla, myrrh, ivy, amarena, iris, jasmine and violet with additional notes of musk, vetiver, benzoin and tonka bean." Upon application, I get a very sweet aniseed, vanilla..very very sweet.  What I do find with this fragrance, is that throughout wear, it develops a musky floral depth that gives it a sophisticated, yet sexy edge. The problem I have is I just don't know if I li...

Did I get your attention with the blog post title? We all want beautiful long lashes and fuller brows. For those that already have those attributes, I hate you. Just kidding... but I am envious! In an attempt to try and get my own, I have been using Castor Oil. Thank you Basmah ( Lace and Lattes ), your helpful post on the benefits of this oil on the lashes got me needing it in my life too! I purchased Healthy Aim Castor Oil from ebay. It's not really the brand that matters, but I was looking for cold-pressed and natural which is important. Taken from the Healthy Aim website - " Castor oil is a perfect skin care product that is naturally rich in antioxidants and is very effective as a deep conditioner to heal both skin and hair. Castor oil is a very soothing oil, often used in lip balm and other beauty products."  The oil is packaged in an amber bottle, with simple screw top lid. The oil is thick, like really thick, almost a sticky texture. Rather tha...

I received Mirenesse Studio Magic BB Pore Powder through the VIP program when I was a member. It was a product that sounded wonderful, and I was looking forward to using it. Of course, at the time I was determined to get through some other finishing powders that I had before diving into this one. Taken from the Mirenesse website - "... This super-sheer powder is completely undetectable on the skin and seals foundation, concealers or even just primers to create porcelain looking skin. Created with revolutionary Light SetTM Technology to diffuse both artificial and natural light, skin will be left lineless, poreless and flawless in any light, making it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions and even photographic work. Moisturising Vitamin E and soothing BB mineral pigments work together to calm and rejuvenate red or blemished skin, while natural silica works to absorb excess oils, restoring the skin's natural moisture balance and instantly minimize pores and fine ...

Sally Hansen really have such a broad range when it comes to nail polish. I have quite a few from this brand of nail polishes in my collection. I always check out the displays in store. Many times succumbing to a shade that catches my eye.  "Firefly" is a copper to bronze. This colour shifting shade is a great polish for Autumn. I love the warmth of this colour and the metallic finish.  I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!

Yes, I figured it was time to give another palette some attention. The "Lagoon" palette from Sleek was another gift I received from Ash from The Beauty Collection as part of a Blogger Kris Kringle. This was one of the palettes I had been lusting after from the UK online store. Great products, affordable prices! Look at those gorgeous shades, all swatched on bare skin using my finger. I must say that the shimmery shades swatch beautifully. The mattes are not chalky. I found the eye shadows are good to use, easy to apply and blend well. Let's check out some looks that I created using this beautiful palette. The first shade I wanted to try on my lids was the shimmery neutral colour. I added a purple crease for a little fun. I used the pale pink in the inner lid, then the coral matte in the centre. It turned out more pink than coral.  More of a softer look here with the lilac and then I used that matte purple to line....

"Sheer Beauty" is actually the first CK perfume that I have tried.   Description- " The composition is floral-fruity, opening with notes of begamot, red berries and peach bellini. The perfume's core includes flowers of peony, pink lily and jasmine. The base is velvety due to accords of sandalwood, musk and vanilla blossom." This perfume begins with a burst of tart, juicy, fruit with creamy florals. Very feminine and fresh. The sandalwood and musk manage to ground this perfume, just before it becomes quite close to the skin.  A simple blend that's perfect for Spring and Summer. Great for any occasion. It doesn't have the best longevity, but an added spritz on the clothes ensures a gentle fragrance that will stay with you.

Just a quick mani post to show you today. I haven't got a photo, but I used Maybelline Express Dry Nail Enamel in "Tasseled Taupe". I just love this warm brown. The gold shimmer hives it a golden glow. The design was created using a nail foil. It didn't transfer as well as other full coloured foils, but I was still content with the finished result. Well, that was short and sweet! I hope you have a wonderful day :)