Another Inglot Haul

Inglot Haul

So, I stopped into Inglot today & left with more great goodies.

I got a few more Matte, Double Sparkle & AMC textures plus Pearl which is now my 2nd favourite Inglot texture (after Matte)

As usual Inglot's Customer Service was amazing & I'd like to thank Mel in the Chatswood store for her expertise & patience helping me choose the right colours. Sydney ladies, make sure you see her for all your Inglot needs! Thank you Mel!

 Here's what I got:

• 1 x 10 Square Palette
• 1 x 4 Square Palette
• 2 x Lipsticks (105 Coral Red & 420 Pink/Purple Matte)

My 2 x Inglot 10 Square Matte Palettes

The eyeshadow numbers I got were: 366M, 371M (Light Blue), 372M (Teal), 348M, 388M (Dark Blue), 491DS, 37AMC, 444P, 460DS, 439P, 404P, 420P (Sheer Silver Mauve), 422P, 55AMC - these are not in order, and not all are in the palettes you see above.

You may recognise some of the colours in the above photo from my last Inglot post. I added my previously purchased matte (overflow) eyeshadows to my new purchases to create a 2nd colourful 10 Square Matte palette, I guess I should have got 1 more as I had a leftover space which I used up with a purple double sparkle (PS: It's now a Yellow AMC/Matte).

I'm really stoked to have a neutral, & colourful matte palette - these two will get the most use out of all my shadows & are my go to palettes.

I put the rest of my purchases into the new 4 square palette & what was left over into my UNII palette.

Review: LUSH Vanilla Dee-Lite Body Lotion

I wandered into Lush wanting to get a Vanillary solid perfume to accompany my Vanillary EDT perfume but unfortunately they were out. :(


Browsing the store, I came across Vanilla Dee-Lite Body Lotion but it didn't seem very attractive, so I put it back, moving on. I ended up getting a Vanilla Fountain Bath Ballistic (can't wait to use it!) & 100g of the Vanilla In The Mist soap. The SA must have seen me looking at it, so at the checkout gave me a sample of Vanilla Dee-Lite to try at home with a paper offering 10% if I purchased it within a few days (how did she know? LOL)

I went onto the shopping centre & stopped at Inglot. On the way I smoothed a little of the body lotion on my arm. To my surprise it smelt amazing - totally different than it had smelt in the store & quite similar to Vanillary! I finished my shopping & on the way back made sure I detoured into Lush to grab a bottle (using the 10% off voucher)!

How Does It Feel?

Vanilla Dee-Lite glides on very smoothly & a little goes a long way. It has a silky creamy texture which leaves skin very soft. It's quite nourishing & moisturises my skin well. Oh! Also, it's not greasy whatsoever - thank goodness!

How Does It Smell?

This body lotion has the gorgeous Vanilla/Jasmin/Tonka scent that's used in Lush's Vanillary perfume, however it's a subtle version. It also has a soy type of edge to the smell (think soy milk). I'm guessing it's the Illipe butters.

It lasts all day on my skin & I get whiffs of it now and again. Lush also use absolute perfume oils for the three notes in this product which means it's great quality - not many companies use the real deal. This is why the scent lasts.

I usually do not use Vanilla Dee-Lite on it's own, but as a base when I wear Vanillary.

Price

Vanilla Dee-Lite is a little pricey at $29.95AU for a 250g bottle, I was a little taken aback when I first saw the price, however it does contain quality ingredients such as extra virgin coconut oil & as already mentioned above - absolute perfume oils (vanilla, tonka & jasmine) which are not cheap. As you don't need a lot of product I think it will last a long time

Verdict

I love the texture & definitely love the smell of Vanilla Dee-Lite. If you like vanilla or tonka, I recommend that you try this out. If you're like me & find it hard to smell anything inside Lush, make sure you put it on your skin & leave the store to see how you like it.

I love Vanilla Dee-Light & will definitely repurchase it when my bottle runs out. I find it to be the perfect accompaniment to LUSH Vanillary perfume.

So, the bottom line is, if you love vanilla, you must try this. If you love Vanillary, you must have this. If you love Vanillary but find it's a little too strong this is a great substitute - give it a go!

It' will be coming into Autumn soon so I am looking forward to using more Vanilla fragrances so this is perfect. I'll be using the Vanilla Dee-Lite under Vanillary for perfect scent layering!

My Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review: CND Solar Oil

Chatting to MsSherryBlossom on Twitter about nails this morning inspired me to blog about a product I've been using for about 5 years ---- Solar Oil.

I used to be an avid acrylic nail wearer a few years ago & learnt the benefits of using cuticle oil to keep your acrylic nails in good shape for longer as well as feeding your natural nails underneath. I stopped getting acrylics due to the cost of infills (up to $50 every 3 weeks). So the acrylics are gone, but I kept using Solar Oil.

Solar Oil is made by an American company called Creative Nail Design (aka CND) & is described as "A synergistic blend of naturally light oils and Vitamin E, designed to deeply penetrate and protect skin and nails."

The Solar Oil bottles have a brush just like a nail polish bottle. The 68ml version also includes a dropper.

Solar Oil definitely keeps my nails & cuticles moisturised. With regular use it also strengthens nails whilst keeping them flexible. Another huge benefit I found is that it stops my nails from peeling which was making them constantly break.

I try to make sure I use Solar Oil at least twice a day (in the morning & evening). I keep a pinkie bottle in my handbag, one at work & I have a 68ml bottle sitting on my computer desk so I can use it when browsing the WWW - especially blogs or forums.

The scent is quite subtle - Sweet Almond Oil. The oil absorbs remarkably quickly - it only takes a few minutes. I love the simple ritual of using Solar Oil, massaging it into your nails is quite relaxing

If I forget to use Solar Oil (which I have to say, is quite often if I'm super busy) I really notice how good it is. A few days after I stop my nails start to peel again, become prone to tearing & break easily.

How To Use Solar Oil

• Brush it onto your nails

• Gently massage the oil into each nail

• That's it!

Other Uses


To Dry Nail Polish - Solar Oil can help dry your nail polish - a couple of minutes after you put the colour on, put a drop at the base of each nail, and then gently smooth it onto the nail. It also helps get rid of extra polish on the skin if needed.

Dry Skin - It's also great with dry skin. I put a couple of drops on the back of my hands to use like hand cream. It's great on elbows or any other places where you may find your skin dry, including lips.

Burns, Bites, Scars - After reading that Solar Oil was sometimes used in burn units in hospitals, I started using it on small burns, such as blisters on my heels from new shoes, or to heal mosquito bites faster. I've also found that it can fade scars. I've just read that it has anti-inflammatory properties so this is no surprise.

Hair - I don't do it often, but I have rubbed Solar Oil through my hair, similar to how you would use Moroccan Oil (just a couple of drops).

There's probably another 101 uses for it too!

Solar Oil comes in 3.7ml (aka "pinkie" bottle), 15ml, 68ml, & a huge 108ml refil bottle. It can be quite pricey - 15ml for $24.95AU, however it does last a long time - even the smaller bottles. I purchased my 108ml refill bottle for $50 (at a beauty supply store) & I haven't even used half the bottle in 5 years.

You can also get a product called Solar Balm but I have to say, it's not as good as Solar Oil, but that's another review.

Verdict

Solar Oil is one of my HG products & a must have in my world. I would definitely recommend picking up a little bottle & trying it out. As long as you use it every day you'll find yourself with healthier, stronger & well moisturised nails.

My Rating: 9 out of 10

Review: Simple Eye Make-Up Remover

Once I discovered Gel Eyeliners (Stila Smudge Pots & Inglot Matte Gel Eyeliners) & Mixing Mediums (Inglot's Duraline) I knew they were the best thing since sliced bread. They are so good as they stay on FOREVER.

I bought a sensitive eyemakeup remover by Innoxa which unfortunately did not do a very good job. Not only did it take too many cotton balls to remove the makeup & to my surprise I found that it stung my eyes & made them red, no matter how careful I was.

How's that for being a sensitive eye makeup remover!

So I went on the hunt for another one! I scouted the Internet for reviews & recommendations for a good eye makeup remover however there are so many different types I was a little overwhelmed.

Browsing through Priceline one day, I noticed a little bottle with a green lid - Simple Eye Make-up Remover - it was on sale for about $8. Next to it was the cutest little 50ml version which was also on sale for about $3.00. The bigger version was cheap, but I am sick of buying full sized products just to find that I don't like them so I thought the smaller bottle was a fantastic idea to see what it's like!

Using It

The bottle has screw off lid & inside a small whole, which makes it SO much easier to get the product either on a cotton ball, or cotton tip without having to tip the bottle upside down (and possibly contaminating the bottle) onto it, or accidently pouring too much out.

So what I do is, I pour a little onto a cotton ball, hold it on my eye for a couple of seconds, and then wipe the eye from lash to brow. I repeat the process for both eyes. Depending on the amount of makeup I have put on that day it may take one or two cotton balls per eye. I prefer using cotton balls as when I used cosmetic squares that they soaked up too much product.

Tip: For stubborn waterproof mascara I pour a little onto a cotton tip & run it along my lashes. The small hole/dispenser makes it perfect to get a drop or two on the tip.


Benefits of Simple Eye Make-Up Remover

What appealed to me about this product is that it is:

• Fragrance free - I don't like fragrance in face products
• No added Colour - who needs it to look pretty?
• Has Pro-Vitamin B5
• Oil Free so it's not greasy
• Removes Waterproof makeup - exactly what I've been using!

Verdict

Would I recommend this?

Yes, it does exactly what it says & my eyes don't sting* - bonus!

*The strange thing is, since using it I have noticed reviews on sites such as Make Up Alley, that some people report that it makes their eyes sting - these reviews were for a similar bottle by Simple, but it says "Conditioning" on it. I'm not sure if they've reformulated the product, or that this is a different version? My recommendation is to buy the  smaller 50ml bottle first so you can see what it's like before getting a full one.

Would I buy it again?

Yes, in fact, since using up my little bottle I have purchased a full one. I'm just over halfway through so I will have to remember to pick another one up in a few weeks!

My Rating: 8.0 out of 10

Inglot Matte Freedom System 10 Palette + 4 Extra

My Inglot Matte Palette (plus extras)

I went back to Inglot a couple of weeks ago with the intention of obtaining more mattes. I already had a handful of matte eyeshadows from my 30 palette, & another from a 5 palette I picked up at Christmas. I have been raving about them since.

Inglot's matte eyeshadows have fast become my favourite Inglot texture since getting my first palette. These mattes are the best I've ever used. They're silky, smooth & so easy to work with. I've been mainly using them for neutral looks so far.

On my matte hunt I picked up 7 more mattes (with a couple more AMC textures too) in a funky 10 Square magnetic palette. Using my 10% Off voucher (received with my December purchase) it was about $76AU.

I wanted to put all of my mattes together so, I took all the mattes out of the 30 palette & put them into the 10 palette with some of the new acquisitions. I have 4 extra mattes that will live inside my UNII Palette until I get another 10 palette.

Unfortunately in my rush I got one double of 392M :( but it's a nice colour so I will be using it eventually. The double will reside in a "spare palette" until I need it.

Here are the numbers:

Top Row: 373M White, 351M Cream, 352M Beige, 390M Grey/Brown, 361M Peach
Bottom Row: 360M Brown, 363M* Medium Brown, 378M Dark Brown, 376M Dark Grey, 362M Pink

4 Extras: 392M Medium Purple, 379M Dark Purple^, 384M Green, AMC63+ Black

*This particular eyeshadow was from a sale palette I purchased at Christmas time. I think it must be older stock as it doesn't have the number on the bottom - from swatches & pictures of Inglot Freedom eyeshadows I've seen online the closest I've found is 363M, so that's my guess.

+ Technically this eyeshadow is not deemed a matte texture, it's an AMC (Advanced Makeup Component) colour however it is definitely a matte black.

^Unfortunately the camera gave the 379M a bluish tinge, but it's definitely purple. Inglot have a purple/blue matte eyeshadow but I didn't get it as I don't think it would suit my eye colour..

Do you have any Inglot Mattes? What do you think of them?

The Perfume Connection 25% Off Online Purchases for Valentines Day (5th & 6th February)

Attn: Gentlemen - you MUST read this blog entry!

I received an email today from The Perfume Connection saying:

"perfumeconnection.com.au is offering 25% discount on your total amount purchased this weekend - the 5th & 6th February 2011. Don't miss out on this great offer and get that someone 'special' a new fragrance this Valentine's Day"

So Guys, grab your credit card, log on & purchase purchase purchase! Thank you!

Inglot Price Increase - UK & US. Is Australia next?

Inglot has increased their prices in their UK & US stores causing a huge uproar in the makeup community.

Inglot lovers, & potential buyers who have heard good reviews on this Polish brand have expressed their dismay at the price hike. The increase is already in place in UK stores & will take effect in the US stores on 7/2/2011. Inglot USA are using the same day to introduce their new Inglot 20 Eyeshadow Freedom System palette, already released in the UK.

Unfortunately for Inglot, a lot of people are saying that they will not purchase Inglot Freedom System palettes after the increase. In the US the cost of a 10 Square Eyeshadow palette is currently $50, however will increase to $80 on the 7th of February. This has made a lot of people upset & angry.

There is speculation that the price increase is due to the rise in the online popularity that Inglot have had over the last 3 months, especially on online communities such as YouTube.

The positive reviews Inglot have received (especially for their eyeshadows) have always been similar - that the brand is:

• Excellent quality
• Very pigmented &
• Cheap

Makeup lovers in the Internet community are saying that Inglot are cashing in on this popularity & selling out.

Inglot USA's official Twitter account tweeted that "The product is still extremely affordable, and lines prices do go up eventually. The quality of our product shows."

Yes, prices do rise eventually, but this is a huge hike. I'm guessing that their stores will be extremely busy for the next few days, but what will happen after this?

Will Inglot survive? Will they respond to the uproar?

Inglot In Australia

The Australian Inglot prices are not cheap, and have never been. They are above drug store brand makeup costs, however in my opinion the product is good enough to justify the amount of money spent. That is, if they don't raise our prices too.

If prices do go higher, Unfortunately I won't be purchasing Inglot anymore. This is really hard to say as I love this brand, their excellent customer service in their Sydney stores (especially Chatswood) & excellent products.

The makeup market in Australia a hugely saturated place, so much so that even cult brands such as Stila & Urban Decay have not made a mark here, and were removed from mainstream retail sale. I'm afraid that if Inglot raise their Australian prices, the same thing will happen to them here too.

The current costs for Inglot Freedom System Palettes in Australia are:

10 Square Eyeshadows = $85
 5 Square Eyeshadows = $50
 4 Square Eyeshadows = $40
 2 Square Eyeshadows = $28

Were the higher Australian prices a test to see if people would buy the product at a higher cost? Or, will Australia also see a price increase? Only time will tell.

Don't push yourself out of the market Inglot! Keep your prices as they are!

What do you think of the price increases? Have Inglot made a bad decision?

NB: As of 10/02/2011 Inglot USA have decided to postpone the price increase. Originally they moved it from 7/2/2011 to 14/2/2011 (yes, Valentines Day), however the latest news is that it will be May 2011.

It is suspected that this is due to the huge public uproar on Twitter & YouTube, which included UK makeup artist Wayne Goss speaking out about the increase (which had already happened in the UK).

Price Increases in Australia

Edit: as of April 2011, the Freedom Eyeshadow palette is now $95, an increase of $10. I do not have a listing of all product prices, but apparently the entire Freedom Palette range, as well as their other products will see an increase of a few dollars.


Another edit: As of July 2011, Inglot Australia have increased their prices for a second time in 3 months (the first was in April 2011).

The prices of the freedom palettes in Australian stores & Inglot Australia Online are now as follows:


20 Square Eyeshadows = Was $180, now $225 (inc palette)
10 Square Eyeshadows = Was $95, now $115 (inc palette)

 5 Square Eyeshadows = Was $50, now $60 (inc palette)
 4 Square Eyeshadows = Was $40, now $49 (inc palette)
 3 Square Eyeshadows = Was ?, Now $38 (inc palette)
 2 Square Eyeshadows = Was $28, now $27 (inc palette)

The Square eyeshadow refills are now $10 each, and the palettes are now purchased separately. According to Inglot, the advantage is that you do not have to fill an entire palette at the time of purchase - you can buy a few shadows now, & then add more to your palette whenever you like (whereas previously you had to fill the palette at time of purchase). This has made the palettes more expensive (e.g. the 10 palette was $85 in March, & is now $115).


The 40 palettes (inc The Power Of Matte palettes) are due to be released in Australia in August, by the above calculations the shadows will be $400 plus the cost of the palette (unknown at this time - if the 20 palette is $25, a good guess would be $30 or $35?). $430+ for a 40 palette???? Wow!




Price Increases in USA

It finally happened. The prices in the USA also increased at the same time & the prices there are now as follows:

The Square eyeshadow refills are now $5 each.

40 Square Eyeshadows = Was?, now $229 (inc palette) 
10 Square Eyeshadows = Was $50, now $60 (inc palette)

5 Square Eyeshadows = Was ?, now $33 (inc palette)
4 Square Eyeshadows = The USA don't seem to have the 4 palette at Inglot USA online
3 Square Eyeshadows = Was ?, Now $21 (inc palette)
2 Square Eyeshadows = Was ?, $15 (inc palette)


Even with the price rise in the USA, the 10 palette is $55 more in Australia  - almost twice the price, even though the Australian dollar is currently higher than the US dollar. Doesn't seem fair does it?