Product Review: MeMeMe Boho Balm

Hi lovelies!

I don't know what it is about spring but it really puts a bit of..well, spring, in my step!

I'm loving the warmer weather (aside from this weekend's hail and rain), sunshine and the bright colour everywhere. I've already changed my look by incorporating a lot more colour in my makeup, accessories and wardrobe. I think the warmer spring and summer months are the perfect time to indulge in low maintenance, breezy beauty, like tinted moisturiser, a hint of creamy colour on the lips and cheeks, and tousled waves and updos.

That's why I was really thrilled to see that MeMeMe Cosmetics had brought out a new, dual-coloured lip and cheek colour called the Boho Balm. They were designed to be the perfect festival accompaniment, which I can totally picture as each gorgeously designed and compact tin contains two beautiful colours perfect for touching up your lip and cheek colour while on the go! On a separate note, this has actually got to be the first time I've seen a cream blush packaged in a tin, instead of a plastic compact!

MeMeMe Boho Balm. How gorgeous is this little tin?! 

For those of you who are new to the brand, MeMeMe Cosmetics is actually a UK based brand, which was launched in Australia last year by Aesthetic Industries. There are two duos in this range, one called Coral Taupe while the other is called Pink Rouge. I was lucky enough to receive Pink Rouge to try, which contains both a candy pink and a coral pink shade. Each tin contains a whopping 11 g of product, yet fits easily into the palm of your hand.

The back of the tin.

I tried it out and found that the candy pink shade was quite subtle, while the deeper coral pink was quite pigmented. Both shades also appeared really lovely when mixed together. My favourite way of wearing this is to dab a bit onto the apples of my cheeks with fingers after applying my foundation (I find the warmth of my skin helps cream blushes to blend better), and then using either a lip brush or my ring finger to dab some onto my lips. While creamy enough to blend easily on cheeks, it's also quite light on the lips and very comfortable to wear (take that from someone who has chronically dry lips). The Boho Balm also has quite good wear, as it left me with a gorgeous, natural flush on my cheeks for at least 8 hours, and lasted well on the lips for up to three hours before needing reapplication, leaving a slight stain behind after fading.

For added longevity on cheeks, buff it in with a stippling brush and set it with a powder blush of a similar shade, and you can add longevity on lips by filling your lips in with a lipliner before pressing the Boho Balm on top. You can also choose to wear it under your tinted moisturiser or foundation for a more natural flush of colour.

Let's take a look at some photos, shall we?

Boho Balm - Pink Rouge. Fits easily in the palm of your hand!

The shades in the tin.

L-R: The coral pink, the candy pink, and both shades mixed together
(in direct sunlight).

L-R: The coral pink, the candy pink, and both shades mixed together
(under artificial lighting).

I wore the Pink Rouge Boho Balm over a liquid foundation, with a wash of gold shadow across my eyelids, and blended the stronger shade over the apples of my cheeks. I then pressed a little of the paler shade over my cheekbones and blended it together. I also wore both shades mixed together on my lips.

Pros:
You get two gorgeous shades in each compact and pretty tin.
The colours are creamy enough to blend effortlessly and quite moisturising on lips.
Fairly affordable at $18.95 although they are currently on sale for $13.95 (run, don't walk)!
Creamy and non-sticky formula (your hair won't get stuck to your lips, winner)!
Matte, non-glossy appearance on lips, yet gives cheeks a dewy flush.

Cons:
I do wish the container was a little shallower and wider, I'm worried about getting product under my fingernails after having used it for a while.
It might not be suitable for you if you like using powder foundations. I find it works best with liquid or cream foundations.
I wish there was a divider between the two shades, I'm worried about it becoming a mess after being used for a while.
The candy pink shade might disappear on some skin tones.

I just want to quickly mention that I read some reviews about this product stating that it was really sticky, but from using it several times, I have not found it to be sticky at all. In short, lovelies, this is the perfect product to buy if you're looking for a fresh faced glow, although it is versatile enough that you can build it up for a more pigmented look.

You can purchase the Boho Balm from MeMeMe's website (click here). If you sign up to their newsletter, you will also receive 20% off your next order. I can safely say that I have fallen in love with this product and I'm definitely going to be adding more items to my wishlist, starting with their pretty nail polishes!

Are you a fan of cream blushes, lovelies? Have you tried any of MeMeMe's products?

Much love,
MM.
x


Note: This product was kindly provided for my consideration. This has not affected my opinion in any way. For more information, please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Event Review: Vogue Chadstone Style Workshop

Hi lovelies,

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

Two weeks ago, I received an invitation to attend a Vogue style workshop held at Chadstone. Tickets were $20 per person and you were given a goodie bag to take home at the end of it. It was hosted by Vogue Australia's fashion associate, Penny McCarthy, and she gave us insider tips on the ideal spring wardrobe. I was quite excited to attend as this was the second fashion event I'd been to at Chadstone (click here to read my review of the first) and it's always nice to pick up tips from the experts.

The event went for 30 minutes and we were all treated to a fashion show showcasing the tips Penny explained to us. There were 24 looks in total, and Penny gave us all tips on how to take them from day to night wear with just a few accessories. I'm going to provide you with a brief snapshot of what went on, so prepare yourself for lots of photos! I ended up with a whopping 52 photos from the event, so I had to cull them down to just my favourite looks.

The trends covered during the workshop were:

Elegance
City Luxe
Graphic Print
Cobalt Blue
Racewear, and,
Embellishment

The makeup was done by Burberry and the look was kept matte with very natural looking makeup. The hair was kept sleek, straight and flowing free.

Vogue Australia's Fashion Associate, Penny McCarthy.

The first trend was Elegance. I fell in love with this gorgeous dress and jacket, which was paired with high heels.

Penny explained it was easy to take the look from dressy to casual by losing the jacket, adding some great accessories (these were from Thursley, Collette and Mocha) and adding a large tote.

I am also loving those great shoes with the embellished metal tips.

I love how the model has gone from polished and chic to flawless and carefree, all with the addition of just a few accessories!

The next trend was City Luxe. I loved this Escada jacket worn over a Saba dress.

Penny took the jacket off, changed the model's shoes to clunky ankle boots, added a gorgeous metal belt (this is next on my list, I have to look for something similar), and added some pearl accessories to take it to nightwear.

There was also this gorgeous Portman's jacket, worn over a Saba top tucked into a Witchery pencil skirt. I thought the jacket was really cute and very fashionably cut.

Penny removed the jacket, changed the shoes, added a little knapsack and a new necklace to take it to a more casual look.

I'm not personally a fan of the knapsack but I must say it was a very effortless way to take the look from dressy to casual.

Here's another look from the City Luxe trend which I thought was gorgeous. I really liked the necklace, which I believe is from Diva.

The next trend was Graphic Print, which admittedly, is something I wear very infrequently as I find it a bit hard to pull off tastefully.

This model was wearing the same jacket that Penny was wearing, which was from Witchery.

There was also this cute look using a Carla Zampatti jacket over a Karen Walker ensemble.

Penny removed the jacket, changed the shoes to flats, added a straw hat and sunnies, and gave the model a large shopping tote to dress the look down.

Another favourite trend of mine was Cobalt Blue. I love that colour as I believe it goes really beautifully on deeper skin tones.

I was also loving this shirtdress which I believe is from Witchery. It looks so flowy and comfortable, I think it will be perfect for summer once the weather warms up, particularly when worn with open toed sandals.

Penny added a necklace, a skinny belt and a little clutch purse to dress the outfit up a little.

The following trend was Race Wear. I have to say I love the spring racing season, I've only ever been twice but I'd definitely love to go again. I always love seeing the girls all dressed up in their gorgeous frocks, heels and fascinators!

This look was just a printed jacket worn over a cocktail minidress.

There's always something glamorous and sophisticated about wearing a hat or fascinator.

I loved this different spring racing outfit, which was more along the lines of a skirt suit.

The last trend was Embellishment. I thought this top was gorgeous, the lacy pattern really adds some zing to what might otherwise have been a plain black outfit. Penny also added a pretty gold belt to the Karen Millen top and skirt to liven up the all-black outfit.

The Armani Exchange jumpsuit they brought out next looked quite interesting, as it was in a platinum shade.

Penny added a belt with a gold accent (from Diva, I believe) to define the shape a little, together with a gorgeous statement necklace (from Sambag), and a clutch purse to dress the look up. You could go from shopping to cocktails with such little effort!

Penny also showed us how to dress up a basic top and skirt by adding a statement, embellished jacket.

This jacket had such a unique fit to it, I couldn't not include it in this post. I am also loving those gorgeous shoes!

The last look was this tailored Emporio Armani shirt, tucked into Thurley pants.

Penny added a tailored Thurley jacket and a statement neckpiece from Emporio Armani to dress it up a bit. I'm not sure if I'd ever wear a necklace like that but it certainly was gorgeous and really popped against that white shirt.

We also got a goodie bag after the show with some magazines, bottled water, a calendar, a Guess keychain, some chocolate, a couple of skincare sachets, a Burberry Body perfume sample, a Napoleon Perdis foundation sample, Body Shop mini mascara and a voucher for a Burberry makeover.

There you have it, lovelies. I think my favourite trends were Elegance, City Luxe, Cobalt Blue and Embellishment. I thought there were some great tips at the workshop and I can't wait to pick up some accented belts and perhaps an embellished top or two.

I did go shopping immediately afterward and ended up picking up some statement accessories and also a large black tote. I think it's hazardous shopping right after a fashion show!

I hope you enjoyed that, lovelies...what was your favourite trend?

Much love,
MM.
x

NOTD - Lacy French Manicure

Hello lovelies!

I have a new NOTD post to show you, here's the manicure I was wearing last week. I meant to share it earlier but things have been a little busy; but hey, better late than never, right?

This is Ozotic 745 (I bought this from piCture pOlish), worn over white polish as a base. It's a really unique polish as it has a special effect known as a 'colour flop' (I got that special terminology off the website). It's basically a shimmery pink that changes colour to gold with lighting, and also looks completely different when applied on its own, over white polish and over black polish. It's such a pretty shade, I can never decide what colour I'm looking at, as it sometimes even reflects back as silver (talk about indecisive?)!

I tried to take photos in different light conditions to give you an idea.

Artificial 'day' lighting.

With flash.

Under fluorescent lighting.

In direct sunlight.

See what I mean about reflecting silver?

After a day, I decided to add scalloped black polish over the tips and also traced a line of white before adding another line of black. I quite loved the effect, it really dressed it up a bit.

Artificial 'day' lighting.

In natural daylight.

Under fluorescent lighting.

In natural daylight.

In direct sunlight.

I hope you liked that, lovelies!

I'm off to bed now as I'm absolutely exhausted! Stay tuned as I have a fashion show-themed post and another Illamasqua makeover (plus purchases) post to share soon!


Much love,
MM.
x

September Lust Have It Review!

Hello lovelies!

Welcome to the September LHI review! Now, if you've been following me for a while, you're probably wondering where the July and August LHI reviews are...well, the truth is I didn't do them! I was planning to but firstly my boxes came quite late and then I got really busy, so I never ended up doing them. Also, I think the excitement is waning slightly as I'm not as excited by the boxes as I used to be, but more on that later...

The August LHI box (the anniversary box since it had been twelve months since they launched) arrived in a pretty white box, instead of the coloured bags they had done previously, so I was a little surprised when I opened this month's September box to find a gorgeous silver bag with goodies from the Luxe and Luscious range (there are three all together, with the other two being Fun and Flirty & Bold and Beautiful). Here's what I received inside:

Aum Gentle Facial Foam Cleanser (sample)

YSL Opium Vapeurs De Parfum (sample)

Davroe Colour Senses Ends Repair (sample)

Morrissey Hand and Body Balm (sample)

Mirenesse Ace of Base (sample)

There was also a box of pretty pearl stud earrings from Style Rocks that annual subscribers received last month. Understandably, us long-term monthly subscribers who had been with them from the start felt a little short-changed, and after being inundated with feedback, LHI decided to upgrade all monthly subscribers to a VIP membership and included the earrings with this month's box for those who missed out.

On to the photographs;

September LHI Box - Silver!

All ze goodies.

(Click for pricing and more details)

L-R: Mirenesse concealer, Davroe Ends Repair,
Opium VdP perfume sample, Morrissey body/hand balm &
pearl stud earrings.

L-R: Concealer, Davroe ends repairs and
Aum cleanser.

L-R: Opium perfume sample and the cute Morrissey body balm.

Miscellaneous vouchers.

Pearl stud earrings from Style Rocks
(along with 25% off code)

The pearl stud earrings to celebrate LHI's 1st anniversary.

So what did I think of this month's box? Well, I've never tried Aum before so I'm quite interested in seeing how well this cleanser shapes up. I also like the sound of that Morrissey lotion, as it contains blood orange and lime extracts, and I love citrusy scents! I'm actually planning on slathering it on immediately after my hot shower today (which I'll be taking as soon as I finish this post)!

I've tried a few Davroe products now, all of which were in the last few boxes, so it will be interesting to try yet another one. So far I've liked but not especially loved the other Davroe products I've tried. I'm not especially enamoured of that Mirenesse concealer, I do like most of their makeup but I think this will be quite  unsuitable for my skintone, so I'm going to send it to a good home by giving it away.

That brings us to the last sample, the perfume vial. I love perfume samples so I'm always happy to receive more, particularly when it's not due to launch on Australian shores till October! I love when I get to trial something before the rest of Australia does! I have seen numerous complaints from other subscribers about perfume samples, with the explanation that they could get it for free from Myer/David Jones. Well, the thing is, you can try but you won't always be given the samples as they might not have it or they might not choose to hand them out. Furthermore, this is a perfume sample delivered right to your door that hasn't even been launched yet, so I'm quite pleased with this addition to my box. I do enjoy popping them in my bag for when I head out with just a clutch purse, it makes it so easy to touch up on the go. I've already spritzed some on my wrist and although it is a little mature/heavy than what I'd ordinarily wear, I do like the scent and I think it will go nicely for wearing out at night.

Last but not least, we got a voucher for a free styling product from Davroe, a voucher for $10 off Aum products when purchased at Myer (when purchasing two or more Aum products) and a voucher for a free makeover at YSL, which I'm quite keen on as I'd love to try more YSL products (we all know how much I love makeovers as they are not only fun but a great way to test out a product before purchasing and a chance to learn more about a brand).

Verdict? I quite liked this box and will probably use most of the samples (barring the Mirenesse concealer). I do think it's good value for money and I am pleased to try most of these samples, the only problem is I'm getting overrun with samples I haven't had a chance to use yet and rapidly running out of storage room! I'm also quite excited that we got a free makeover in this month's box!

What did you think, lovelies? Did you get a different box? Were you happy with yours?

Much love,
MM.
x