Morning all! Hope you're all well. Sorry to start your day with a rant. =P
Recently, as in since I've been buying some higher-end make up only in the last few years, I've been becoming increasingly frustrated with inferior packaging when it comes to cosmetics. Particularly with the brand that I actually do love, Illamasqua, well, because the only other High End brand that I buy is Kryolan, and that is so expensive I can barely afford anything.
Anyway, there have been at least three instances where the product's actual formula (the actual make up I mean) has been amazing, out of this world, phenomenal! And yet, the product container has been so rubbish the product can no longer be taken anywhere due to potential leaks.
This has happened with both my Precision Inks (I have had two so far, both have broken in the same way. A crack along the side of the lid/wand, and it is too easy to over extend the lid when closing.) and my Pure Pigments (All four of them, despite the lids being on as well as possible, product has leaked out or build up along the edges only to create a huge mess, and wastage, once opened.)
Now, I probably could forgive a manufacturer for releasing products with inferior packaging if they were a cheaper brand, but when you are paying top dollar for frankly a great brand with fantastic formulae it is so disappointing, and honestly unforgivable, to see that they continually release poor products (I figure that I haven't continually purchased duds) when good, functional packaging is not that difficult to design and still be aesthetic, just some thought needs to be put into it and proper testing.
Another gripe with this brand I have is that I have an Intense Lip gloss by Illamasqua that is actually amazing, but the brush-tip applicator that comes built into the wand has some kind of gunk, or hard plastic on it. The bristles are synthetic, so I figure it's just some build up of the brush material, but honestly it is scratchy and impossible to apply neatly. In this instance I feel it could just be my product, as I only own one of these. Now, I know that I can easily use a lip brush for this, but that's not the point! If a product is going to come supplied with an applicator then it should be idealised for the product. Not to mention that Illamasqua have a perfectly good lip gloss tube already for their Sheer Lip glosses ( different formulation) and that functions well, so I don't see why they couldn't use that or a variation. Again, this is something you see with cheaper brands; the come with those awful sponge applicators in eye shadow sets, but really now, quality (and advertising) is what differentiates the cheap cosmetics from the High End cosmetics.
Have any of you ever had similar experiences?
xxx Lilly
Showing posts with label Cosmetics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cosmetics. Show all posts
Monday, December 2, 2013
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Goth in a Box
Hey my darling readers, sorry for the period of inactivity; university was getting very stressful with exams and assignments, but thankfully now that is all past. Thanks to everyone who wished me well! I've been on my summer break for about two weeks now, and so far things have been good, although the weather has been heating up more than I would like...
I am excited for this summer in regards to this blog, as I have lots of interesting content coming up, so stay tuned for that!
If you can remember in an older post by The Green Fairy, she mentioned having won a subscription to a beauty box. We were all pretty much unanimously wishing that there was a similar beauty box that was more suitable to darker or alternative tastes. And that got me thinking, I wonder what items I would include if I had my own Gothinabox beauty box, in a jokingly serious way; legitimately these would all be my real choices. I also don't want this to be a Just-Add-Water Insta-Goth set, but rather key items that many Goths would use regularly and consider them favourites. Of course, I'm going to have to carefully skip over the logistics of a beauty subscription box, as that is not my area of expertise, and just focus on the 'what if'...
Enjoy!
xxx Lilly
I am excited for this summer in regards to this blog, as I have lots of interesting content coming up, so stay tuned for that!
If you can remember in an older post by The Green Fairy, she mentioned having won a subscription to a beauty box. We were all pretty much unanimously wishing that there was a similar beauty box that was more suitable to darker or alternative tastes. And that got me thinking, I wonder what items I would include if I had my own Gothinabox beauty box, in a jokingly serious way; legitimately these would all be my real choices. I also don't want this to be a Just-Add-Water Insta-Goth set, but rather key items that many Goths would use regularly and consider them favourites. Of course, I'm going to have to carefully skip over the logistics of a beauty subscription box, as that is not my area of expertise, and just focus on the 'what if'...
Enjoy!
- SPF 500+ to block out any of the disastrous and icky rays of the Yellow Hurty Thing.
- Mattifying pressed powder. Because dewy, glowing, healthy 'I just spent the day at the beach' skin is not desirable.
- Liquid eyeliner in black. With a felt tip to achieve a wickedly razor sharp point.
- Blood red lip stain. To create a freshly bitten look....
- Wine coloured lip liner. To sharpen one's Cupid's Bow to a Siouxsie-approved right angle.
- Matte black eyeshadow. For smoking one's eyes and chiselling one's jaw to taut perfection.
- Extra-Strong hold Hairspray. When Regular-Strength hairspray just won't do.
xxx Lilly
Sunday, March 31, 2013
My Relationship with Lush
If you've spent any time around me, both online and in Real Life, you would know that I'm a fan of Lush. Ok, maybe 'Fan' isn't the best word to use. I'd even be tempted to use the word Lushie. But I don't like that word so much as it tends to mean 'loves all of Lush and doesn't hate a single product', and for me that's not the case. I think it would be fair to say that now I have a love/hate relationship with Lush.
So I discovered Lush around 5 years ago. That's not all that long ago I know, but please remember that I lived in a small, remote country town for 12 years and didn't get to the city often.
The first product I purchased was Goth Juice, now discontinued. I still adore this lovely purple pot of moss-scented goodness. I recently had to turf the dregs of my 2nd last pot that had expired and turned gray, so now I am using up my last ever pot.
Since then I've spend hundreds of dollars on their products, often purchasing something once or twice a week. This is a problem for someone like me who is a full time student and doesn't work.
Also, I'm not totally sold on some of the ingredients used in Lush. I recently became aware that they use parabens in their products, and have only recently been changing their recipes to limit plastic glitter that ends up in the oceans.
As of sometime in February this was my collection, not including any empties or dregs of products. Naturally my collection of Lush has expanded considerable since this photo was taken. Also please note that some of these products are samples. Some of my additions since then include Dark Angels, 9 to 5, Shimmy Shimmy, The Godmother, Breath of God Toothy Tabs and Charity Pot.
The Bath Bombs wrapped are Phoenix Rising and So White.
I've became aware that I really need to stop wasting my money on cosmetics from Lush and start saving my money for other more valuable things. Hopefully this blog post will have helped me with my addiction to Lush.
Please share your cosmetic stories!
xxx Lilly
So I discovered Lush around 5 years ago. That's not all that long ago I know, but please remember that I lived in a small, remote country town for 12 years and didn't get to the city often.
The first product I purchased was Goth Juice, now discontinued. I still adore this lovely purple pot of moss-scented goodness. I recently had to turf the dregs of my 2nd last pot that had expired and turned gray, so now I am using up my last ever pot.
Since then I've spend hundreds of dollars on their products, often purchasing something once or twice a week. This is a problem for someone like me who is a full time student and doesn't work.
Also, I'm not totally sold on some of the ingredients used in Lush. I recently became aware that they use parabens in their products, and have only recently been changing their recipes to limit plastic glitter that ends up in the oceans.
As of sometime in February this was my collection, not including any empties or dregs of products. Naturally my collection of Lush has expanded considerable since this photo was taken. Also please note that some of these products are samples. Some of my additions since then include Dark Angels, 9 to 5, Shimmy Shimmy, The Godmother, Breath of God Toothy Tabs and Charity Pot.
The Bath Bombs wrapped are Phoenix Rising and So White.
I've became aware that I really need to stop wasting my money on cosmetics from Lush and start saving my money for other more valuable things. Hopefully this blog post will have helped me with my addiction to Lush.
Please share your cosmetic stories!
xxx Lilly
Sunday, December 25, 2011
A lovely, Lushy Christmas
Firstly, I'm very much moved in to my new house with my mum, brother and sister. It's still chaotic, but reallly, what else were you expecting? I've also gotten my results for year 12 (finally) and am thrilled that I passed the audition requirements for the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. So, yeah the last 12 years of musical education have paid off. =D
Anyway, I've been spending a fair bit of money at Lush on Swanston street and in Melbourne Central lately. Actually, I'm so pleased by everything I've bought there, I want to work there! That's a big deal for me as I've never seen myself doing any sort of retail work. Time to rewrite my resume, it seems. So, as a tribute to everything I've bought or tried there, I have decided to write a rave/ haul about the products I have purchased, and I'll be totally honest. Disclaimer: I have paid for everything listed and haven't been asked by Lush to write this. Just so you know. =)
Goth Juice: This pricey little pot of discontinued goodness has been my favourite ever since I first tried it. I love the mossy, earthy scent so much I would wear it as perfume if it was ever bottled. Apart from the cost, my only complaint is that I wish the scent would linger more once the hair gel was in my hair, but you cannot smell it once it's applied. For some, this may be a good thing. It's a lovely purple colour, too, and purple is my favourite colour.
Demon in the Dark: This is a bar of soap containing mint and clove oils. Have I ever mentioned that I have a 'thing' with mint? You know, how some people go gaga over the smell of garlic frying in butter, or vanilla? Well, I love mint things so much, if I could only smell/ taste one flavour for the rest of my life, it would be mint. So, I may be a bit one sided when I say how much I love this soap. It foams into a light lather and rinses away easilly. Also, I have sensitive skin, so I was a bit cautious about trying this soap, due to the stong oils. Almost all mainstream soap bars irritate my skin, but this soap is fine.
Sweetie Pie: This is something that is a novelty in my opinion. It is essentially sodium laureth sufate made into agar jelly, not gelatine. I've always felt a bit iffy about using gelatine products and food. I'm not a vegetarian, as I eat fowl and seafood, but I know that I'll be a vegetarian when I'm older. Anyway now's not the time to talk about that. The soap contains glitter and is dyed blue/ black. It has a scent of blueberries that reminds me of jelly lollies. Everyone else in my family is a bit repulsed by this soap, but think it's really fun to hold. In the shower it becomes really slippery, but it can be brushed over a shower sponge or puff and used like a shower gel.
Mint Julip lip scrub: This is something I feel I could have made myself, but I was curious to try it and, well it has mint oil in it... Super satisfied witht the results; smooth, soft lips and a delicious flavour.
Dirty perfume: This is a men's perfume, but I feel that it is suitable for ladies to wear just fine. It is fresh, minty and subtly earthy. Very expensive for the amount, though, but cheaper than a high fashion brand. It's hard to go wrong with perfume, mind you. Either you like the scent, or you don't.
Dirty Toothy Tabs: I have only bought this a few days ago, and only tried it twice. Essentially it is a small tablet that you chew and then brush your teeth with. It foams up to a light lather similar to toothpaste. I initially tried one without a brush. DON'T do that- it really tastes awful. It is really important to follow the directions on the box. In my personal opinion, I feel that toothpaste is better tasting, easier and more efficiant at cleaning my teeth, but I actually bought these for a camping trip I'll be embarking on soon enough. I think that they are very convenient and they have far less packeging than toothpaste tubes. I though that it wasn't minty enough for my tastes, as I love a good strong mint flavour.
I also bought a bar of Teo Deodorant for my dad, but as I'm sure you can understand, I didn't try that. It smelt pretty though.
I hope you are all enjoying your holidays!
xxx Lilly
Anyway, I've been spending a fair bit of money at Lush on Swanston street and in Melbourne Central lately. Actually, I'm so pleased by everything I've bought there, I want to work there! That's a big deal for me as I've never seen myself doing any sort of retail work. Time to rewrite my resume, it seems. So, as a tribute to everything I've bought or tried there, I have decided to write a rave/ haul about the products I have purchased, and I'll be totally honest. Disclaimer: I have paid for everything listed and haven't been asked by Lush to write this. Just so you know. =)
Goth Juice: This pricey little pot of discontinued goodness has been my favourite ever since I first tried it. I love the mossy, earthy scent so much I would wear it as perfume if it was ever bottled. Apart from the cost, my only complaint is that I wish the scent would linger more once the hair gel was in my hair, but you cannot smell it once it's applied. For some, this may be a good thing. It's a lovely purple colour, too, and purple is my favourite colour.
Demon in the Dark: This is a bar of soap containing mint and clove oils. Have I ever mentioned that I have a 'thing' with mint? You know, how some people go gaga over the smell of garlic frying in butter, or vanilla? Well, I love mint things so much, if I could only smell/ taste one flavour for the rest of my life, it would be mint. So, I may be a bit one sided when I say how much I love this soap. It foams into a light lather and rinses away easilly. Also, I have sensitive skin, so I was a bit cautious about trying this soap, due to the stong oils. Almost all mainstream soap bars irritate my skin, but this soap is fine.
Sweetie Pie: This is something that is a novelty in my opinion. It is essentially sodium laureth sufate made into agar jelly, not gelatine. I've always felt a bit iffy about using gelatine products and food. I'm not a vegetarian, as I eat fowl and seafood, but I know that I'll be a vegetarian when I'm older. Anyway now's not the time to talk about that. The soap contains glitter and is dyed blue/ black. It has a scent of blueberries that reminds me of jelly lollies. Everyone else in my family is a bit repulsed by this soap, but think it's really fun to hold. In the shower it becomes really slippery, but it can be brushed over a shower sponge or puff and used like a shower gel.
Mint Julip lip scrub: This is something I feel I could have made myself, but I was curious to try it and, well it has mint oil in it... Super satisfied witht the results; smooth, soft lips and a delicious flavour.
Dirty perfume: This is a men's perfume, but I feel that it is suitable for ladies to wear just fine. It is fresh, minty and subtly earthy. Very expensive for the amount, though, but cheaper than a high fashion brand. It's hard to go wrong with perfume, mind you. Either you like the scent, or you don't.
Dirty Toothy Tabs: I have only bought this a few days ago, and only tried it twice. Essentially it is a small tablet that you chew and then brush your teeth with. It foams up to a light lather similar to toothpaste. I initially tried one without a brush. DON'T do that- it really tastes awful. It is really important to follow the directions on the box. In my personal opinion, I feel that toothpaste is better tasting, easier and more efficiant at cleaning my teeth, but I actually bought these for a camping trip I'll be embarking on soon enough. I think that they are very convenient and they have far less packeging than toothpaste tubes. I though that it wasn't minty enough for my tastes, as I love a good strong mint flavour.
I also bought a bar of Teo Deodorant for my dad, but as I'm sure you can understand, I didn't try that. It smelt pretty though.
I hope you are all enjoying your holidays!
xxx Lilly
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