IndieAna- In Search of the HolyGrail

On beauty website Beauty Heaven, there's opportunity to accrue points by doing various interactive activities, like reviewing listed products for example.  I had collected enough points to "buy" the DKNY "My NY" perfume during the event that is Beautorium, where it is possible to spend your points. I had never tried this perfume, but figured that at the cost of $5 for postage, it was worth taking the risk of a blind buy. Description- " Top notes of the composition provide a blend of raspberry, pink pepper and galbanum, followed by Egyptian jasmine, freesia and orris in the heart. The base encompasses patchouli, vanilla absolute, musk and ambergris." At first spray I get the raspberry and pink pepper. Sweet and slightly spicy, giving the perfume a zesty quality. During wear, the floral element became more noticeable. Quite tart, but still with that zesty spice. The musk and patchouli base notes do their part in giving depth and ...

I actually felt like doing a little happy dance to celebrate the fact that I needed to buy foundation. Yes needed, not just wanted, but I'm-on-my-last-foundation and need to replace it. I'd noticed the budget-friendly W7 brand at Chemist Warehouse, and after a Google search for reviews, I thought I'd give it a try. Besides, for a few dollars, I really had nothing to lose. " The new Photo Shoot Foundation leaves you with a flawless finish! Not only budge proof, but lasts up to 16 hours." The foundation is packaged in a sleek looking glass bottle. Creamy consistency, not runny or too thick. I really like the look of the bottle, but I'll begin with what I dislike. The delivery system, or should I say, lack thereof. It is just the open mouth under the lid. I would be happy to pay extra for a pump top dispenser, even a squeeze tube would be preferable. I store the foundation upside down, so that there is product near the top, and I still have ...

Being an eye shadow junkie it is very difficult to decide on a palette from such a large range on offer from new cosmetics brand Freedom Makeup. Looking at the many palettes, I decided that I only wanted to buy from the Pro 12 range, labelled as a high definition eye shadow. I finally decided on a matte palette and the one I am showing you today, "Romance and Jewels" . Similar packaging to sister brand Makeup Revolution, however there is a pattern in the shadows, very similar to the much more expensive NARS. When I saw that they were jewel-toned, I thought rich metallics, my favourite kind! Apart from 5 shades, I was blown away by the rest. The first 2 and pink in the 2nd row were on the sheer side, and the last 2 were pigmented, but somewhat chalky. Just look at the shimmery goodness of most of the shadows just swatching on bare skin with my finger. I did discover that the less impressive shades I could still work with. The sheer shades wo...

So it's now 2016 folks, yeah, I can't really believe it, either.... I finished the last month of the year with a nice amount of products used up. Thursday Plantation Macadamia Oil - I was able to use this product, thanks to a giveaway on beauty website, Beauty Heaven. It wasn't too heavy for my face, being quite nice as a replacement night moisturiser. About half-way through the bottle, I had purchased a facial oil, so instead used this as an overnight hair treatment, which the oil was great for my dry, damaged hair. Repurchase? I would consider another bottle. Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer - I really enjoyed using this makeup primer. It had a silicone feel, so was like silk when applying to the face. Filling in pores and fine lines, whilst helping my foundation of choice to last longer. Repurchase? I have some other primers that I would like to try before committing to the price of the SkinPerfect Primer. Orly Bonder - I have been using the Orly...

I'm pretty I sure I received the Mirenesse Super Long Mascara as part of a VIP pack when I was a member. Being a fan of the formula, I was happy to try a Mirenesse mascara with a different brush. Would it work, or just be hype? Taken from Mirenesse - " The holy grail of mascara formulas! No more panda eyes! A true revolutionary breakthrough, the Secret Weapon 24 Hr Mascara targets each individual lash by forming unique tubes of colour to amazingly lengthen, thicken and curl your lashes! The exclusive microwrap polymer formulation allows you to build the most breathtaking, beautiful lashes you long for." Typical Mirenesse mascara style of packaging. I love the classy look. The brush tapers down to a pointy end. I was looking forward to trying this brush. I thought that with the smaller end I would be able to get right into those tiny corner lashes. This is the case, however, I have been experiencing a problem. I still have to take care, because with the en...

I've never taken a sniff of any Kylie Minogue perfumes in the past, but when the lovely Kat from Kats Colourings raved about this version of Darling, I had to have her. There was no tester of this perfume, but I bought it anyway. Not something I recommend, but I needed that pretty bottle of perfume. Description- " Dazzling Darling opens with fresh and spicy notes of red pepper, acai berry and violet. Rose, passion flower and orris root compose the elegant core of the composition, while the base of sandalwood, cashmere and delicate musk provide a gentle finish." From first spritz, this perfume is alive with fresh, tart florals. The pepper is detectable, but blends so beautifully and grounds the heady notes. I'm not great at detecting particular floral notes, but I believe that this fragrance is very violet heavy. Apparently I am a fan. This perfume is so pretty and feminine. It just screams Springtime bouquet. Bright, sparkling and fun.  During w...

Antipodes is quickly becoming quite a popular brand. An item that I really wanted to get my hands on was the Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream. During a Priceline sale, I snapped one up, only to be put away while I was finishing other eye creams. Finally, I got to this eye cream, and couldn't wait to start applying it. Taken from the Antipodes website- " Scientifically shown to stimulate synthesis of collagen production in human skin cells by up to 82%. A luscious, yet light eye cream for a cooling and soothing sensory experience. Ultra-rich vitamin C from the seed of New Zealand kiwi fruit works superbly to help rescue damaged tissue. "  The eye cream comes in a sturdy jar with screw top lid. The cream looks and feels rather rich, but once I applied it didn't take too long to absorb, which is handy for the morning time application.  I simply massage the cream gently around my eye area, circling a few times, then just let it disappear into my skin. Thi...