IndieAna- In Search of the HolyGrail

Since becoming so active on Instagram, I have discovered even more indie makeup brands. As you would know, I absolutely adore eye shadows, but surprisingly, I was drawn to an online store selling only lip products. Actually known as lip hybrids, these were different to any lip product I had used in the past. Owner, Lyn explains best on her website " It's not as liquified as a gloss, but not completely solid to be a lipstick. It is a beautiful creamy mixture, which makes a high quality lip hybrid that is also buildable, and usually has a staying power between 4-8 hours.  It is highly pigmented that a little dab goes a long, long way for full coverage. We also offer unique colours to fit all of your different personalities. All creamy glosses are hand-made with love, 100% natural and are exclusive fully pigmented lip colours that come in a 5 ml jar." Now when I purchased, the brand was called Premium Vanity. The product quality is the same, there's just been a ...

Toner is a skincare product that is part of my morning and evening routine. I use it to remove any remaining residue on my skin. To be honest, I'm not generally excited by toners. Do the job without stripping my skin, and I'm content. Prep8 is quite unique to me. It's not just a toner, it is also a gentle exfoliator. The ingredient Papain, an enzyme from the papaya fruit, has been added to the formulation to chemically exfoliate skin, sounds scary, but I prefer not to use physical exfoliators that can damage the skin. Peelmoist has also been added to deliver the enzyme through the surface of the skin. The product comes in a 50 ml bottle. The lid once removed, reveals the pump-top. The consistency of this product is not quite as thin as a fluid. To apply, I just pump once into the palm of my hand, then apply directly to face and neck. No cotton pads needed, like I do with a regular toner. Prep8 absorbs very quickly, the skin is completely dry in no time...

For this year's Easter nail mani, I went for some fun pastels and a cute design to stamp over them. Not necessarily easily recognizable as being Easter themed, but lately my creative side has been lacking, so a simple look was what I was after. The base colours I used were Ulta3 "Honolulu", Maybelline Color Show "Green With Envy", Face of Australia "Funky Town" and Essie "Lion Around".  Instead of painting the whole nail, I stroked 3 columns of colour, of different height, creating a scalloped design. Also allowing me to incorporate the highly popular negative space. I chose a stamping plate with some round shapes, reminiscent of eggs..well, sort of, lol. I used Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear "White On", a fantastic white for stamping.  Then because I can't seem to get enough of Essie "Pure Pearlfection" top coat, I added a coat of this gorgeous clear polish full of tiny diamond-like sparkle. ...

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is such an iconic indie perfume oil company. I can't believe I'm getting down to the last of my samples.   Description- "The essence of faith, love and devotion. Lilac, lemon, green tea, wisteria, osmanthus, white cedar and Chinese musk." Spicy, woody florals. I can detect a slight citrus note, but it seems to get lost in the earthy nature of this perfume.  Before the perfume becomes too heady, the musk powders down the scent, and it becomes somewhat soapy. A luxurious, expensive soap. This would make for a great Winter perfume. Not too heavy. but rich and warm. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

You've probably read my raves about Silk Naturals. It's one of my go-to indie online makeup stores. My last order actually consisted of only a few items Go Me! As hard as it is, I really am trying to treat myself to makeup less and less. Goodness knows I don't need anything, but an order here and there is kind of ok, well better at least, lol.  I had taken advantage of last year's Black Friday sale to buy full sizes of HD Cream Foundation and Salmon Concealer, because I enjoyed the samples so much. I also took the opportunity to replace my lash serum, and well, the bright pink eye shadow was a treat to myself. Because my order was over $30, I received Satellite as GWP, and PS was the free sample included in my order. Another free sample that I forgot to include in the photo, is "Replay" lipstick, which you'll see later in this post. Here's a closer look of the eye shadows:   Satellite - Pale peach with golden duo chrome. ...

So, how is it nearly Easter????????? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Easter, but it seriously only seems like we just got over Christmas! I have a few empties and 2 products that are not finished, but I am saying goodbye to anyway. Ciencia8 Arestaline8 - Loved it, sad to see it go. It was hydrating, firming and felt so beautiful on the skin. Repurchase? I can't justify spending so much on a product that needs replacing monthly. Wotnot Face Wipes- I bought these from the Catch of the Day bargain website. I thought they were nice to use. Helped to rid makeup, without being rough on my skin. For those into facial wipes, I'm sure you'd love them. Me, I just want something to clean my face without staining my face washer, I'm not really particular on the brand. Repurchase? When on sale, most likely. Can't say I'd go out of my way to buy these in particular. Skinn by Dimitri BioCell Hydrofusion Masque - This was quite a thick gel mask, but was easy to...

I really like the idea of sheet masks, but for some reason, I just rarely get around to using them. Well, I decided to leave them near my bed, so that I can apply while I relax and read a book, or watch tv, or whatever. That was months ago. I finally grabbed a sheet mask, after I come across it when I was actually reaching for something else. Not a full face one, but Mirenesse Power Lift Superstar Eye Sheet Mask. Taken from the Mirenesse website " Expiry date for wrinkles (I love that!). A rejuvenating transdermal hydrogel eye sheet mask. Intensively treats signs of ageing. Helps reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, discolouration and fine lines. Recommended for all skin types."  The eye masks come in a foil packet, I just love the classy Mirenesse packaging.  A single use eye mask duo, contoured to fit nicely under the eye area.  I couldn't not do a sheet mask selfie! :) Although the sheets contain beautiful ingredients for thi...