FAMOUS Beauty Blogger Event

Recently I was invited to the FAMOUS Sensodyne Beauty Blogger Party which was such a hoot and a all round fun and educational evening which I thought I would share with you all. 

At the ah-ma-zing Victoria Room in Sydney famously known for its High Tea we were treated to a night of beauty and pampering and getting up close and personal with some inspirational women (and men) in the world of beauty and fashion. 

 The beautiful panel of experts who answered questions about getting ready for a night out to items they always carry in their handbags. 

Bloggers listening intently to the Panel

Among the pampering we were able to expierence was a manicure by the girls from Orly. 

I love Orly and have quite a few bottles myself. If you haven't heard of these before not only do they have amazing colours, a great formula and a handle which can always be turned and opened!

The lovely colour Angie from An Obsession with the Fabulous chose the gorgeous Rage which was a popular shade on the night. I have Luxe from the same range which I absolutely adore. 

Isn't it the most beautiful rose gold?

I went to the complete other end of the spectrum with one of the most amazing new colours from Orly which I absolutely HAVE TO own!!

Meet Royal Velvet from the new Precious Metals Collection OH EM GEE....

Look at all those beautiful inky colours in this lacquer, in each different light you see purples, navy, silver and every shades in between, I  really have never seen anything like this and I have to have it. 

You do really need 3 coats to get the full on effect though, so worth it!

Angie and I with our lovely manicures!

The amazing cocktails put on for the guests...
 

Having some fun...

 

We also got a face mapping analysis done by Dermalogica which I have had done a while ago but was really interesting to get done again but I will cover that seperately. 

So what do you think of the Orly Lacquers?

Are you already hankering for a cocktail?

miss chew

xx

May Empties 2011

Well wasn't this a massive month for me, why does everything seem to run out at once. Yes I do non stop use a lot of products. I know I have lots backed up to use at home but I really prefer to go through a whole product before I buy more. 

This month I used up:

• Terax Latte Shampoo
• Batisse Dry Shampoo- Re bought
• Rexona Deodrant- Re bought
• Estee Lauder eye make up removed- Re bought
• Nutrogena Sport Sunscreen- Not the biggest fan as it runs out fast and not so much of a need now that it's Winter. 
• Wella Shampoo
• Dr Bronners Hand Soap- Re bought
• Johnson and Johnsons Body wash- not the biggest fan, the smell isn't that great and I have used better
• Rimmel long wearing Foundation- I have now bought the new 25 hours one instead
• Natural Compatibles wet and dry
• Maybelline define a brow- My HG eyebrow pencil, loves it and rebought
• Garnier Clear Senstitive makeup removing wipes- Yup again I have gone through another packet and I have re bought

Phew, that was exhausting!

I hope you have all had a great month! Mine has been so friggin hectic, bring on Thailand next month!

miss chew

xx

ABC of miss chew

I pinched this from Jade and thought it might be a bit of fun!

A. Age: 26
B. Bed size: Queen and not big enough as I really like to stretch out.

C. Chore you hate: Washing up and taking the rubbish out, both of which I designate
D. Day: Saturday. 
E. Essential start to your day: Omlette with 2 egg whites, one whole egg and little cheese and a shot of aloe vera juice-I know it's weird.
F. Favourite colour: Purple.
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 175cm
I. Instruments: Guitar or piano that my man plays, I love it!
J. Job title: Senior Booking agent
K. Kids: Not yet... but one day
L. Live: Sydney’s Northern Beaches- and I love it!
M. Mum’s name: Joy
N. Nicknames: Jaim, JC, nothing original really.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Yes many, unfortanately there are too many to mention
P. Pet peeve:People being late.

Q. Quote from a movie: If you build it, he will come... Field of dreams
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: One younger sister
T. Time you wake up: 7am
U. Underwear: Mainly a bonds kinda gal
V. Vegetables you dislike: I think I actually like all vegetables in some way, shape or form
W. What makes you run late: Traffic

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Oh jeez here is another medical one, umm I have had spinal x rays, abdominal, elbow, leg, umm...
Y. Yummy food you make: Healthy lasagne, hearty beef stew, but I love to cook!
Z. Zoo:I love them but in more a conservationist way not a animals in cages kinda way

So there you have it, a A-Z of miss chew

Feel free to tag yourself too and If you do please pop a link below!

miss chew

xx

Conceal, disguise and treat your spots all in one with this amazing Dermalogica product!

Ok so I am beginning to sound like a walking, talking advert for Dermalogica, sorry about that, but I do this for a reason, that they keep coming up with absolutely amazing products which blow me away and so therefore I must share with you!

My poor skin is always under constant battle with pimples, congestion, and all the like and it sucks!

I feel like my cleanser and my night creams kill them (I mean treat them) but what about during the day or throughout the day? Enter the Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment- $40. 

This product is really small, fits in my hand and is designed to be used in the morning when you do your makeup and then to easily carry it around in your handbag all day for touch ups. 

When you squeeze some of this product out onto your fingers it looks like a concealer and you really do not need much. The smell of this product is quite strong and can seem overpowering of like a chemical smell but that is just the wonderful pimple busting ingredients.

To use it: I first apply under my foundation or tinted moisturiser and dab it over the area directly on the spots and then once it has been left for a few seconds I blend it in. 

The colour might seem a bit dark but I find that once your blend it in and then apply foundation you don't even notice it. 

If I have a particlarily heinous pimple that has just come out of no where I will reapply during the day as well.

Since I have been using this product I have been finding my spots decrease in size so much faster than normal and I really like the approach of tackling them 24/7 full on. I take no mercy when it comes to pimples. 

You can find Dermalogica: From Salons Nationally or online at stores like www.adorebeauty.com.au

Have you got any fave pimple day time busters?

miss chew

xx

Please note this product was offered for consideration

REVIEW: Rimmel 25 Hour Lasting Finish Foundation

I have been a fan of Rimmel LONDON foundations for a while now, they are my go-to for the cheaper end of the scale foundations that really do the trick especially for say work days when I just want some coverage whilst saving my goodies for more special occasions. 

When my last one ran out I decided to try the new Rimmel LONDON Lasting Finish 25 hour Foundation- $17.95. 25 hours? Come on! 

I was skeptical to the say the least but you know what? I have really long days and I am so flat chat all day running from meeting to meeting that I don't have time to touch up my makeup all day and I can't be bothered to tell you the truth, not for average work days, so I really need heavy duty makeup.

This foundation they say is transfer proof, smudge proof so I put it to the test. It also contains something called a "Aqua primer" which is supposed to help your skin stay hydrated all day as well.

They have 7 shades to suit most skin types and whilst I normally pick the very most lightest shade I went with 103 or true ivory. (Gosh I am pale). This colour suits me ridiculously well and makes my skin look so even toned and provides fantastic coverage (big tick right there). I do set the foundation with my translucent powder which I always do. 

During the day I notice that my makeup hold really well especially on my cheeks and forehead throughout the whole day. The only area which I would say probably required a touch up would be my chin area but I have been eating apples whilst driving. not to mention talking non stop so I make that area work really hard. 

Do I think it lasts 25 hours? Probably not the full 25 hours and I am not going to try sleeping with it on but I was really happy throughout the day and I will continue to use it. 

Just a quick note also about the effects of the "Aqua Primer" I have been under some serious conditions whilst wearing this baby and I do still continue to spray with my Dermalogica Hydrmist but in saying that this is definitely not a drying foundation that's for shiz. 

Would I recommend this product? Yes I certaintly would if you are after a cheap foundation that gives great coverage.

Have you tried this foundation before?

miss chew

xx

Dermalogica Age Smart Antioxidant Hyrdamist- Getting me through the cold days

Oh this weather, what a nightmare! I woke on the road which means every single day I deal with the outside wind, sun, cold, hot and then there is the inside with the aircon, this leaves my skin not knowing what to think and how to react, my skin goes into hmm how do I put this, panic!
My saving grace has been this wonderful product by Dermalogica- Age Smart Antioxidant hydramist-$70. 
This product when I am out on the road during the week never leaves my handbag, I swear to you. 

My goodness the ingredients and the therefore benefits of this wonder product are very extensive so bear with me as I break it down.

When you spray the mist on your face you instantly smell the tea and that is actually white tea which helps to provide a antioxidant shield protecting your skin from damage. 

This spray also contains my new favourite love which is Hyaluronic Acid which if you are not familiar with this product I know it says acid and I know you are probably thinking how is this hydrating? Well this clever little bugger sucks in the moisture water and most importantly retains it leading to plumpy wonderful skin. It just can't get enough of water and is a fabulous anti-ageing or in more case preventitive anti-ageing ingredient. 


Next on my list of fave ingredients in this product is a hefty amount of Vitamin C. When I saw my beauty therapist recently and I was discussing the deep dark troughs I get under my eyes that look like dark circles but aren't puffy she said the only ingredient guaranteed to fade the darkness is Vitamin C, sign me up! More on that later. 


There are also other wonderful ingredients such as licorice, Vitamin E, Rose and Clove extracts to name some more... I know this baby is really powerful. 


I spritz this throughout the day ontop of my foundation and instantly my skin and my head goes "ahhhh" in a breathing sigh of relief way. It is so amazing and my skin looks healthy and glow. The tightness that I feel when I am battling all the conditions is relieved with a few quick sprays. I also find that if I am going out after work and I haven't got any makeup with me to touch up that by spraying this product it refreshes my skin and makes my makeup last longer. 


You can find Dermalogica: in Salons nationally and you can view their website www.dermalogica.com.au.


Have you tried this wonder prod? What product has been getting you through this nasty weather?


miss chew


xx


Please note this product was offered for consideration

Bronzer is your friend not your enemy!

I love my Bronzer, I really do, it is without doubt at the most top of my list of products I cannot leave the house without. I am quite the pale poppet and so bronzer makes me look human and healthy with a nice "glow". My now HG product which has made every other pale in comparision ha! How funny am I? 
The product is NARS-Laguna Bronzer ah-maz-ing! What I adore about this bronzer is the amazing shade which when applied lightly depending on your skin tone applies warmth to the skin and has the softest gold flecks through it.
What does frustrate me is when I see lovely, pretty girls who apply it wrong. Bronzer is supposed to accentuate your features subtly and is suitable for even the most pale skins and not just those who are super duper fake tanned.
Example one:

Khloe Kardashian

Ahhh Khloe, so often you are the one sister to commit the most makeup mistakes and this is one. Where girls apply too much of the bronzer to the apples of their cheeks. 

When you apply bronzer: apply it just below your cheek bones to give your face contours which make your cheek bones pop! When you apply it suck in your cheeks and apply it just below your cheek bones (it's easier this way). This is the look you want to go for as shown by miss Black Lively see below.

  Hubba hubba, gosh she is just divine! When you look at this picture she is all about subtly and also blending, so it looks like she just woke up looking like this, well she probably looked almost this good, damn her. 


Another tip: When I apply it I gently use a bronzer brush to apply only a little of product and I tap it onto my hand before I apply it onto my cheeks we can always apply a bit more and build but getting too much product on your cheeks and gosh its a pain to take away. 


Less is more girls....

NARS is available through MECCA Cosmetica which is where I usually purchase! 


So tell me, which Bronzer do you love? I love finding new goodies. 


miss chew


xx

Why Translucent Powders can sometimes FAIL...

Let me just start by saying that I love translucent powder, I really do, long term readers of my blog will know I have mentioned it many times before as a star product. When I first discovered it it was like a lightening bolt moment. I would spend all this time perfecting and blending my foundation to match my skin tone and then apply a coloured powder which would then totally stuff up all that blending... grrr...
When my favourite Arbonne Translucent Powder  ran out I started using the Australis Finishing Powder-$12.95. This powder to start off is a really white, white rather then others I have tried in the past which are a off white. The smell of the powder is really full on like talc powder and when I am powdering around my nose and mouth I feel like I can't breathe. When I have finished applying it my face looks alright and this is where I was deceived. When I had a dress up function at work for a gala dinner I did what I would normally do and knowing I would be partying all night I set my foundation with the powder but as soon as I got near a camera flash I got hit by a nasty shock. 

See evidence number one below:

If you look close enough on this pic you can see the faint white powder which is picked up by the flash on my iPhone. Ahhh I do actually know how to apply make up but instead this just looks like a massive fail.

The next picture is even worse...

Ummm where did my nose go... As you can see from my bombshell of a friend who looks all bronzey and amazing I look like snow white... Goddammit, I am dissappearing...

I rest my case...

Have you ever had a makeup malfunction?

miss chew

xx

Tag: What is inside my Beauty Cabinet

Hey Lovelies, 


This is my first beauty tag. I know most of you out there, like me, are always curious to know what lies inside everyones beauty cabinet, what products do they really, really use on a regular basis. So I thought I would start a tag by first showing you what is inside my cabinet. I am not going to list them all right now as you can see there is a lot but what you might notice is a few new products I have just recently begun trialing which I will be letting you all know about soon!


For me, I know it seems like I have a lot of products and well, yes I do, but I like to know I can cater for whatever skin concerns my body throws at me and yes these do vary. Up the back which you probably can't see are my facial oils which will be migrating closer to the front now that winter is approaching. 


I have my pimple zappers, masks and paw pay cream as well as lip scrubs, tinted moisturisers and facial sunscreens. 


...and this is just for my face...


So... now comes the next step, I want to peer inside your beauty cabinet, once posted please add a link in the comments below so we can all have a squiz!


miss chew


xx

OPI Pirates of the Carribean 4 Collection and Swatches!

So I am back, with blogger having a hissyfit I was forced to take a weeks break which honestly came at the best time as I have been absolutely swamped at work and have not had time to blog so I apologise for my absence.

I made mention when I first heard the wonderful news about the newest of the OPI collections, Pirates of the Carribean 4. What may seem like a unusal partnership to me when you view these amazing colours it really seems like a match made in creamy pastel coloured heaven. I knew when they came out I was going to have to make some purchases. As much as I wanted to purchase each and every one, when they cost $19.95 a pop that becomes quite the expensive purchase, what is great is the mini collections they have released which enable us common folk to indulge in this collection without breaking the bank.

For me to buy the 4 appove in this mini pack was $24.95 I figure it is like a good tester, sample pack and if I try one and particularily like it I can buy more. 

Here are the different swatches:

The first colour to be tried was Skull and Glossbones which I really loved. This colour reminds me of a very grown up grey which ties in wonderfully with Winter. 

The second colour is called Planks a Lot, I think this is my favourite, readers of my blog will know just how much I adore anything purple, and this colour is no exception. For me to describe this colour I would call it a creamy purple almost lilac and lavender which wears really well. 

Thirdly is a interesting colour called Stranger Tides to me this is like a guacomole colour, a little army green but with not quite so much brown in it. This to me is a really trendy colour which works well with demin and black boots, that sort of thing, gorgeous!

 Lastly, I tried Sparrow Me the Drama again with the amazing play on words as only OPI does best, this colour I ended up having to photograph with my iphone to try get a try representation yes it is a creamy pink but it really has a hint of violet in it which really makes it quite unique and a really grown up pink. Quite a nice change from other more girlie ballerina pinks. 


So that is it I am really happy with the options given in the mini pack and you will get a few uses out of each, enough to satisfy my desire to try these colours. 


What do you think? Do you have a favourite, have you tried any of these yourself?


miss chew


xx

HUGE NEWS from Kiehl's and a exciting COMPETITION!!

Call me vain but the first time I heard about Kiehl's was years ago when I was completely obsessed with Sex and The City and I saw a picture of Sarah Jessica Parker walking along the streets of New York with a Kiehl's bag in tote and I knew I had to find out exactly what this brand was and how I could get my hands on it. (I have actually tried finding this pic with no luck). Fast forward a few years and the brand which had such an effect on me now it seems is just too expensive for the average girl to regularily purchase.... until NOW!

Last week a group of Sydney beauty bloggers were invited to the Kiehl's flagship store in Paddington to be let in on the great news. Unfortunately living in the amazing country that we do means that we suffer when it comes to buying cosmetics, what is really reasonably priced in America is almost double over here. This unfortunate fact means many of us savvy girls do most of our buying OS when shipping is permitted, now I don't know about you but the thoought that I have to do that all the time really irks me. Just because it is sold in another country does not mean the price should double grrrrrrr... 

Anyway the people at Kiehl's were definitely listening as they are really SIGNIGICANTLY dropping their prices and you know what the best part is, it's for GOOD!

At the event we were treated exceptionally well and were offered a skin care analysis by their experts and were recommended 2 products which we were able to take home and to trial. 

The 2 items I was given was the iconic Creme de Corps, easily the product they are most famous for which was originally $89 now down to $68!! Such a fantastic drop in prices and since using this product it is well worth it and I will be reviewing it soon. 

The second product was their Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque. My poor congested skin sometimes needs a extra boost and the clay works to draw out impurities I will blog more about this soon. 

 Here are just a couple of pics from the event...

So if you have been wanting to try Kiehl's or you have a product that is just about to run out now is the perfect time to get in and try these amazing products. Honestly this brand has been around since 1851, they really know their shiz, their approach is no nonsense beauty with products that really work. I know I am excited to be getting involved with such a cult brand.

So............ now is when we get into the FUN! The lovely guys at Kiehl's are running a COMPETITION for us Bloggers and I really need your help (trust me if I win, you guys win too!) All I need you my lovely readers to do is...
 
1. Simply head over to the Kiehl's Australia Facebook page, "Like" it, and write the following on their wall “I found out about the Kiehl’s Price Drop from miss chew and my favourite product is (insert your fave Kiehl's product)”

The blogger with the most comments on the Kiehl's Australia Facebook page will win the competition & receive a deluxe pack of Kiehl’s best-selling products which I would be reviewing on my lovely blog, PLUS a plethora of deluxe samples to use for reader competitions/giveaways (This is where you guys will really benefit and I promise to make it worth your while, as I haven't run a competition in ages!).

2. Post the “I found out about the Kiehl’s Price Drop from miss chew and my favourite product is (insert your fave Kiehl's product)” comment on Twitter directed to @egpr_beauties, and I will receive extra points.

It would mean so much to me to win something like this, to know I really have your support. I feel like I pour my blood, sweat and tears into this blog and would love to be able to give you something back by winning. 

Entries close of the 20th May which is this Friday so we need to get a wiggle on. 

Any questions, just ask...

Thank you so much, 

miss chew


xx

My Go-To Eye Makeup Remover

My eye makeup remover has a hard life. Quite often, mainly due to laziness I take my makeup off at night with makeup remover wipes (my HG are Garnier Pure Sensitive) and then I do a cleanse with a proper cleanser. The only time I really use eye makeup remover is if I am being a good girl taking all my makeup off properly or if I have really packed it on there. In this instance the product I use must be a goodie otherwise I wouldn't use it. The product that I think I was given (I think) is one I will definetly be repurchasing as I am just about out is Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover- $45. This remover really easily without having to exert any force (or mulitple pads) removes even the most caked on blackest makeup. 

I have been using this bottle for ages too as a little seems to go a long way. It is oil free as well which really works for me. 

I imagine you will be seeing this little baby in my "Empites" blog post soon!

Are you good with removing eye makeup? Which product do you use?

miss chew

xx

Review: Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant

There has ben a trend to move away from rough grainy exfoliators to a powder to paste type formular of recent times. I have used Dermalogicas Daily Microfoliant before and I have really enjoyed using it so to me trying the Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant-$59.95 was a natural progression.
If you are not familiar with this type of product it goes like this... with very wet hands pour a serve equivilent to 2 teaspoons approx and mix into a paste which you then apply over your freshly cleansed face. Just a note on that, it is hard to actually build up a paste, it's more watery but still does the job.

As you all should know by now as I bang on enough about it, it is crucial to exfoliate your skin to encourage cell turnover, get rid of dead skin cells and generally makes your skin all glowy!

This particular product can be used daily and gives your skin a added boost after cleansing.

What they say: "Contains crushed, water-activated fruit enzymes derived from green papaya and the skin and leaves of pineapple. The exfoliation, is not abrasive, but still effortlessly removes dead and damaged skin cells, sweeps out congested pores and blackheads, reduces inflammation and uneven pigmentation, boosts moisture retention and creates a soft light-reflecting sheen across the complexion to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. The enzymes in the formula works to break down keratin protein, helping to reduce hair shaft diameter and density while weakening stubborn facial hair and reducing re-growth."

Basically the enzymes from the fruit ingredients help to break down the dead skin cells which clog your pores leading to congestion and also blockages in your pores will actually enlargen them which is never something us girls want to happen.

On my skin it makes me feel really clean and has really helped keep my congestion at bay. It hasn't hurt the size of my pores either! (This is something I learnt the hard way over the years unfortunately)

To find your nearest Stockist please call: 1800 659 777 or visit their website here. 

Have you tried a powder to paste type exfoliator? What did you think?

miss chew

xx

May Shopping Ban... dark times are ahead...

I have decided, well it was decided upon looking at my bank balance that I am going on a shopping BAN for the Month of May. Why? You may ask would a self confessed shopaholic do such a crazy thing? Well I just paid return flights to Thailand for my friends wedding which I leave for in 6 weeks and I paid a months rent and won't be getting paid again til the last day of this month. Yup broke...(Also I would like some spending money whilst in Thialand...) The other reason is if I don't make a big deal about this and put myself on a "ban" I will do what I did last night which was had some time to kill so wandered through David Jones only to find myself purchasing OPI new Pirates of the Carribean collection (reviews to come), you see my point? 

Honestly I have enough of everything to last me through this month and I want to do this for myself to prove to myself that I actually can have self restraint, I just chose not to most times. 

I know a couple of other bloggers who are doing the same and I hope we can all support each other. 

Tough times are ahead. 

miss chew

xx

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Really is Miracle Water

Facial Treatment Essence touted as "Miracle Water" by not only beauty magazines all over the world but also by many friends of mine who swear by it. I have heard of this product for years, I mean, come on, it's famous! What stopped me from buying it in the past quite frankly was the price, at a minimum $100 for 75ml it is not cheap. 
When I began my new job 6 weeks ago I decided it was time to treat myself and really see if this wonder product lives up to the hype. 

The product SK-II Facial Treatment Essence $100 is a toner in a sense that that is where it fits in your line of products you use yet it so much more than that. This product was the first brough out by SK-II and contains their "wonder" ingredient Pitera and also has the highest concentration of it among all of their products. This ingredient not only massively increases your skins hydration but it also makes your skin incredibly smooth by evening out any lumps and bumps (the best way I can describe it) and makes your skin glow. 


Within a week of using this product my skin was already glowing and appeared so smooth, it decreased acne scarring on my cheeks. My skin did not seem dry at all which I think is incredibly important with Winter coming. 

To Apply: I use it morning and night after I cleanse I put a small amount into the palm of my hand and gently dab it onto my face with my fingertips. They say to use cotton pads to apply but off many people I have heard they don't say don't bother as it just wastes product.


They say this product is Miracle Water and I have to agree, my skin loves it and I haven't looked back and yes I will be buying this again. The funny this is that it has no smell, so weird! It really is miracle "water". I absolutely love it and I think you would really struggle to find someone who wasn't in love with it after trying it.

 You can find SK-II- at selected David Jones and Myer and also online here. 

Have you tried SK-II? Would you spend that much on skincare?


miss chew


xx

April 2011 Empties

So we reach the end of another month... how is it May already?

I have been rather busy this last month and my list of empties includes:

-Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion- I absolutely adore this and I am already onto my next bottle

-Terax Crema Conditioner- A stand out fave conditioner which makes my hair stupidly soft and one I have already gone through 2 bottles of

-Palmolive Naturals Milk and Honey Body Wash- my fave body wash as the smell is so beautiful and really leaves my skin feeling soft

-i.d minerals Translucent powder- This is a great translucent powder which really sets my makeup well

-Maybelline Collossal Mascara- My HG Mascara! I am yet to find one which beats it

-Garnier Pure Sensitive Makeup wipes- Again another HG product these are gentle on my skin and really effectively remove my makeup and leave my skin feeling hydrated and not dry

If you have any questions about these products please let me know

I have a feeling next month will be a big month too as I am already getting down to the bottom of many products! Eeek!

miss chew

xx