Hi Guys,

Today I'm going to give you rundown on one of my favourite products that I have purchased online. These are so EASY to get your hands on, and best of all they are cheap, cheap, cheap!!!

COASTAL SCENTS CAMO QUADS (Light, Medium & Color Correct)


These babies are seriously a STEAL. At $7.95USD a pop, there is really no better cheap to mid priced concealers on the market (that I've seen anyway). I bought the light one first but even on my paler-than-norm skin, it was just a touch too light for my summer complexion. I decided to purchase the color corrector with it.

Firstly, the light quad. I own a Napoleon Perdis concealer and I find to Coastal scents one to be comparible if not better (I think way better). If you order one individually, it works out to about $15 AUD (including postage) whereas the NP oneis around $35 (from memory). Also, the NP one contains beeswax and if you're like myself, and attempting to conceal pimples - this is disaster. The wax aggravated the pimples. I have found that the CS concealer doesn't irritate my skin at all.



The beige (light and medium) concealers contain two medium pink based skin color concealers for hiding blemishes and pigmentation, one yellow-based skin color concealer - to hide any dark circles (sometimes if I'm in a hurry I use this instead of my YSL Touche Eclat pen - doesn't last as long but still for the price it works verrrrrry well!) as well as a very light shade. I have used this light shade as a highlighter on my brow bone and inner eye with powder dusted over the top... works a treat!

The color correcter pallete is a little extreme for me, but if you have unever skin toneit would be a lifesaver. I have used the green shade mixed in with my foundation when I've gone overboard with fake tan or been sunburnt. The yellow is incredible for bruises or dark circles. The purple and blue jointly combat redness very well indeed.



So even if you bought all 3 Camo Quads (plus postage) you be twice as better of that if you bought one high end concealer. This being said - I would probably still trade my first born for the last YSL Touche Eclat pen!

Go to www.coastalscents.com to find these beauties. ALso be sure to sign up for their newsletter to recieve info on their famous Coastal Scents Fridays Sales!

So today I went a little crazy (mainly due to my hectic work and uni schedule - that's the excuse I'm sticking with!) and splurged out on a few purchases I've been putting off, as well as a new MAC Product I'm yet to try.

GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA EYE KOHL - NOIR



I had read about this little beauty many a time, however not until recently have I been tempted to fork out the somewhat expensive purchase price of $50.00 for it.

I have to say right from the offset, this stuff is AMAZING! Lollipop26 had spruked this eye kohl's staying power, but I didn't really believe her. BUT, I had the MUA at Guerlain show me how to apply the kohl on my water line in the "eastern style" at around 10am this morning and seeing it's pushing 8pm at night and the stuff has not BUDGED, I'm officially a convert!

Now, let me just explain this whole kohl concept. As you can see from the little piccy above, the kohl powder comes in a beautiful middle eastern inspired pot with what is called a Kajal. A kajal is ultimaley a smooth stick which gets coated with the kohl as it sits in the container. This is serious stuff. I bought black which is exactly that, BLACK. The kohl also comes in two others shades - a dirty bronze as well as a turquoisey blue.

To apply in the eastern style you simply (or not to simply depending on how frightened you are) pull the kajal out ofthe pot, place horizontally along your water line* and pull towards your outer eye. This results in a serious black line which is easily and beautifully smudges so you can create the most simple smokey eye known to (wo)MAN.

I have battled constantly with pencil liners which wear straight off, or result in that black goopy gunk that gets trapped in your inner eye (GROSS). However, I'm pretty sure that this is here to stay. Guerlain states that this product is opthamolgically safe/tested so I'm just going to have to go with that and trust them. No itchy eyes for me yet so that's a good sign. The MUA also told me that she likes to wear her kohl as a upper eye liner as well by grabbing some product with a small angled liner brush and then blending it out for a simple middle eastern inspired look.

I will definately keep you posted!

MAC SHADESTICKS IN "WARM & COSY" & "CUDDLY"



(CUDDLY - far left & WARM & COSY - second from the right)

I invested in these beautiful shades today. Shadesticks are similar to paintpots but in stick form. Well - that's what I have come across in the past. However, these shadesticks are SUPER frosty and have quite large chunks of glitter. Not sure whether I will repurchase these quite yet. The colors are gorg however!

CUDDLE is described by MAC as "frosted light golden yellow" however I'd call it more pealized. I think this will be perfect as a partial base over a golden or bronzed eye, or as an inner eye highlight! However, be warned if you want this shadestick you will need to move fast- supplies of this particular color are moving fast. I tried 3 MAC counters before I bought the last one!

WARM & COSY is described by MAC as "frost burnt amber with red and gold pearl". Serious???? GET SIMPLE MAC it's COPPER. Well pretty much. I have to admit it is a verrrrry pretty copper, one I think will be extra flattering on blue eyed lasses. However, this one is the chunkier out of the 4 shadesticks and I'm not sure how it will go for staying powder. The MAC MUA told me she has been wearing her simply with concealer underneath and hasn't has issues with it creasing/moving around.

However, time will tell and I'll keep you posted!

MODELCO BEAUTY AIRBRUSH FACE



Another MIRACLE purhase. This stuff is really incredible! The bottle tells you that it "sets & seals" your makeup but this stuff dead set keeps your face on all day!

Pleasant smelling and reasonably priced ($32.00 per 50g can) I have repurchased twice already and wear it when I know my makeup touch ups are few and far between that day.

I usually spray post eyeshadow application, pre-mascara and the mist settles into place within thirty seconds. The only drawback is a slight stinging sensation on your lips however I just suck my lips back before spraying. ALso be very careful to make sure you spray it arms length from your face, as otherwise you might remain a little tacky for longer than you wish!

So there's my haul wrap-up. Please comment if you have any questions about these products or have has similar eperiences or eve if you completely disagree with my opinions of them!

Stay Beautiful,
BackToMAC x

Trawling through makeup and beauty blogs, a recurring question is asked - "What item/s could you not live without?"

To me, makeup is a mere luxury and that statement a bit overexaggerated. (Un)fortunatley I am not shallow enough to say I could simply not survive without an individual cosmetic product so here is my list 5 Top Items that I could live without, but choose not to!

1. My Customized Palette of MAC Shadows.

This palette made by MOI (with the help of MAC of course) is my go-to everyday look palette. To be honest, I'm a bit of a neutrals girl myself and in my opinion, these shadows (or at least most of them) should be owned by every girl as a basis for a makeup collection. An investment in MAC eyeshadows is exactly this - an investment. This collection did not happen overnight, nor over a few weeks but months of hard-earned cashola! Even after months of everyday use, I have not hit pan on any single one of these shadows which in itself is a testament to MACs quality and value.

Most of these shadows are part of the permanent range available from any MAC counter however some are Limited Addition. You may be able to pick these up from Ebay or alike and some may return as repromotes in new MAC collections. If they do, I will be the first to let you know!


CARBON



An intense matte black is exactly what this is - a MUST HAVE for any makeup kit!








TEMPTING




A gorgeous neutral which will suit any complexion. It's gold and brown mix is so flattering as either an all over eyelid wash or as a outer crease color.

WOODWINKED




In the picture, it resembles Tempting, however in real life the two are chalk and cheese! Woodwinked is a cooler tones perfect for making blue eyes pop!



SHROOM




This is the most perfect highlight color I have come across. A beautiful golden sheen makes eye look fresh and awake.




JUXT




This shade is not for everyone however is a MUST for all those blue eyed gals out there wanting their eyes to POP! I'm in love!



CRANBERRY




Although not a shade for the faint-hearted, if you're willing this shade can do wonderous things to your eyes. .






2. A (GOOD QUALITY) FOUNDATION

Color matching is the key here! You can be the master of all things beauty - but if your foundation shade is off EVERYONE will notice. No-one likes an oompaloompa with a visible line of orange running along her jaw.

Be sure to get advice, (MUAs don't bite!) and remember - don't test on your hand, inner arm or even foot. These are about as close to your face color as your dog's stomach. If you can't test it - don't buy it.

Also, if you feel that your skin is having an adverse reaction to your new foundation -don't stress. Most places will refund if not exchange!

Personally I prefer either Lancome's Color Ideal or MAC's Studio Fix fluid. Both have medium to high coverage and are natural and dewy without that oily look.


3. BLUSH

Without blush, you're going to look like the undead. Seriously. There is nothing WORSE than a one-toned foundation "mask". No-one naturally looks like that. Choose a color which is similar to your natural flush. A good tip to find this out is to look at yourself after a run or some heavy exercise (or even a romp in the bedroom). Remember this color when choosing your blush shade.

On that note, my FAVOURITE blush is NARS Orgasm. It is a soft, peachy toned blush with great blendability. On the pricier end of cosmetics, it will last you forever. However be warned, once you pop you can't stop.


4. BROW POWDER

Great brows never go out of shape. A great brow will change the complete look of your face shape. A powder seems to be more natural than pencil and easier to work with. I prefer to use an eyeshadow in dark brown (personally I use a Benefit powder from their Big, Beautiful Eyes palette).

Great for if you've done the unthinable and over plucked. Slap on some rogaine and STEP AWAY FROM THE TWEEZERS - you'll thank me later!


5. MASCARA

If I'm in a rush, mascara is the one think I choose to wear. No-one should leave the house without it. There are no draw backs, from making your eyes look bigger and doe-eyed as well as giving your lashes definition - it is a staple!

I used a combination of Lancome's 3 offerings - Hypnose, Virtuose and L'extreme. Slap on 3 - 4 coats and you're out the door looking fresh and awake!


6. FAKE LASHES

Although somewhat tedious, the payoffs of a great pair of natural looking lashes are boundless. Adding extra oomph to any eye makeup, lashes are a must to turn heads.

I use numerous MAC Lashes and Glue. Choose yours to suit your intensity. Look after them by removing glue and mascara every 3-4 wears by soaking in lukewarm water with a dollop of baby shampoo and brush gently with a toothbrush. Dry on paper towel and VOILA - ready to use.

TIP: Always wait 30-40 seconds after applying the glue to the lash before you attemp to apply to your eye. The glue needs to be tacky to the touch otherwise you risk putting glue all over your shadow.


So there we go, a quick run down of a basic start up kit. If you have any question, feel free to post a question (and of course - click the ads!)

Stay Beautiful,
BackToMAC x

After many hours of procrastination spent on other blogs, vlogs and shmogs (ok so I made the last one up!) by my fellow Makeup-a-holics - I've decided that this is it; time to start my own!

Following in the shoes of www.temptalia.com, www.lollipop-writes.com, www.spektra.com and many other influences, this is the culmination of my make-up collection and endless obsession with makeup and beauty in general.

My collection currently consists of MAC, Lancome, YSL, Estee Lauder as well as other "drug-store" and online purchases. I write under the opinion that I consider makeup a hobby which I believe every woman should dabble in - and like a good pair of shoes, will make you feel fabulous (fat day or not!)

Please enjoy, shares your own collections, tips and opinions as well as request reviews about products you are interested in. I will endevour to provide information on places to purchase and prices as well as honest reviews of the make-up products that I think will be beneficial to your collection (as well as provide feedback on the ones that I don't!)

Enjoy and stay beautiful,
BackToMAC

P.S If you enjoy this blog, find it helpful and feel super kind - please pop back often and click the ads!