Easy Quick Hair with Scunci Pin Twirls

I think we've all had that mid week hair slump. You straighten and style your hair for your weekend events, and it starts off ok for the week, but slowly gets flatter and less appealing as the week moves on. Sometimes I just can't be bothered washing it (it takes a full day almost for my hair to dry!) so I prefer to just put it in an up do instead.

I was recently sent the Scunci pin twirls and a few other hair goodies to road test, so I thought I'd put together a few super quick mid week hair styles to hide that lazy hair! (I won't tell if you don't :P ) For a better look at any of the style pictures, just click to enlarge them! 


1. Start by pulling your hair into a low ponytail
2. Twist your hair around itself so that it forms a bun at the base of your head, or wherever is most comfortable for you.
3. Place Scunci pin twirl into the bottom of the bun around where the hair ends, and twist the pin twirl (literally! It will twirl itself in and smoothly glide into your hair) until it can't twist any further.
4. Repeat with another pin twirl on the top to hold the bun stable, and DONE!

It was really easy to do this style as demonstrated on the back of the Scunci Pin Twirls box that can be seen in the photos above. This took me less than 2 minutes and it felt really stable and would wear well all day. If you have little pieces sticking out because your hair is uneven lengths, then you can fix up those loose ends with a bobby pin or 2. I needed one to secure my fringe as it's still growing out.


1. Braid your hair on one side with one sided braid, you only take extra pieces on one side. (I followed the tutorial from The Beauty Departments website here.)
2. Secure braid with a hair tie, then braid the other side of your head to match. You don't need to braid all the way down as the braid will go into a low bun.
3. Pull hair into a low ponytail.
4. Twist hair into low bun and secure the same as shown in the above low bun post. Done!

I must admit, I am HORRIBLE at braiding, and this is my first attempt at this kind of braid but it was still prettyyyy easy. This took me about 5 - 10 minutes if I wanted to be neat, but if you're well practiced in braiding it would only take a few minutes. I like the added detail the braid brings, and that it can be quite messy or neat depending on the look you're going for. This was probably my favourite of the styles that I did, can't wait to try it again soon. Can you believe it's only 2 of the Scunci Pin Twirls holding this entire hairstyle in place!? Magic right?


1. Grab a small piece of hair from either side of your head appropriate for a "half up" style.
2. Pull both pieces back to meet in the middle, then twist them around to make a teeny messy bun.
3. I used just 1 Scunci Pin Twirl to secure this messy bun, if you feel you want a neater bun you may need to use 2 still. Done!

This was by far the quickest style, and one of my favourites. I love having my hair down still but being able to hide that it might not be super straight anymore, so this messy do is a perfect combo for me! I got this cute messy look so easily, and it still felt secure with only one pin twirl.


1. Create a high pony tail.
2. Plait the pony tail.
3. Twirl the plait around to make a high bun.
4. Secure with 2 Scunci Pin Twirls the same as advised in the first bun post. 1 Scunci pin twirl on top and bottom. The result is a quick knotted looking bun that way easier to achieve than it looks! Done!

This took me about 2 minutes to create as well. All of these are perfect ways to start your morning if you're in a hurry but you're sick of the same old pony tail or high bun (like I am guilty of most days before now!).

Overall these Scunci Pin Twirls were super super easy to use, and I created these hairstyles within minutes! If you're creative and have any talent at styling hair I'm sure you could create even more impressive hair styles in just moments, and I'm sure you'd be suprised at how firm these hold your hair too. 

To remove the pins all you need to do is twist the pin twirls in the opposite direction. They didn't grab my hair at all, and they're thick and sturdy so should be suitable for thick or thin hair.

Scunci Pin Twirls are $9.95 for a pack of 3, and are available from Priceline, Big W or Target in Australia and you can find more information about the Scunci brand on their website here.

What do you think of these crazy pins? What is your favourite hairstyle? x

NOTW - Kit - Siesta Indigo

 

[natural light]

[with flash]

This weeks nail of the week is Kit's 'Siesta Indigo' which is an indigo blue so deep, it's basically black!

This nail polish was part of the Viva La Colour range from winter 2011 which drew inspiration from Mexican delights and included mostly bright colours like green, yellow, and purple, but of course I was drawn to the darkest colour of the bunch (typical, haha).

The formula of this nail polish was great. It's nice and thick and you could use just one coat if you're careful, but I used 2 just to even out the colour. The nail polish dries with a super slick sheen and the finish wouldn't even need a top coat, but as always I used Seche Vite as a top coat to get the quick dry and glass like finish you can see in the top picture.

It was hard to take a photo of my nails to show the true colour because it just looks black in most light. The only real indication of the blue coming through is on my rough edges (sorry about that, haha). This is a colour that I love because it's such a contrast to my pale skin. Great in winter where I'm extra pale!

I purchased this from Kit Cosmetics for $15.95 when the range was released in 2011, but it appears to have been quite popular and has been added to the permanent range. It's available online from Kit here or Mecca here or you can pop into your local Kit or Mecca store to check out their full range instore, it's super impressive! I can never decide which colour I want next.

Have you tried Kit nail polish? What's your favourite colour? x

Tried and Loved - Peter Thomas Roth - Gentle Complexion Correction Pads

 

 

My skin has been really clear lately, and I think I can mostly attribute it to these to be honest! If you're looking for a quick, neat and easy way to get your skin really squeaky clean, then this might be a good option for you too.

The Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads are described on the PTR website as:
"Exclusively formulated to cleanse skin, clear blackheads, refine pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

• Pads contain potent Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Glycolic Acid Complex 10%) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid 1/2%) in an advanced botanical formulation creating a unique, clarifying, synergistic action to help cleanse the skin, clear up active acne blemishes, minimize pore size, and prevent the formation of new blackheads and blemishes
• Helps regulate healthy cell turnover and delivers proven anti-aging benefits that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Double-sided pads deliver gentle cleansing action on one side and superior pore-refining exfoliation on the textured side
• Provides a veil of fresh, peach bellini scent that offer a nice option to replace traditional antiseptic pads "

Personally I don't have horrible skin to start with which makes it a little easier to control breakouts, but it hasn't always been that way. I would say I have normal/combination skin now, it's not very oily, it's not too dry, and I get the occasional breakout. Your skin type isn't necessarily always going to be a certain way. I used to have terrible skin, with breakouts all the time. I think the only way to really control it is to trial products catered to your skin troubles, find the best skin care that works for you for your specific issues, and then to stick to a good routine with it.

For many years now I have used the Clinique 3 step program, and I really feel that this was able to balance my skin again and has left me quite clear since using it. I think adding these Peter Thomas Roth Complexion Correction Pads to the equation has been the final step in finding a nice balance for my skin though.

I use these at night every second or third night after cleansing, toning and removing all my makeup (you can use them every night if you feel you need to, but as with most skin products, you have to work to your own skins needs). I then use 1 pad on the 'bumpy' side to gently work my entire face in circular motions until my whole face is clean and gently exfoliated. They don't look these little bumps would do much, but I think it's the perfect way to get a little exfoliation without going overboard and without having to use harsh scrubs. Once you're done you don't need to rinse, you just wait for your skin to dry (it takes only moments) and then continue with your normal night routine (serum, eye cream and moisturiser for me!).

It's amazing that you think you clean your face so well, then use these and realise that there is always a little extra residue from the day still there. They really do eliminate any nasties and leave your skin feeling fresh and soft, without being drying at all (in fact I'm sometimes naughty and don't moisturise at night and don't feel like my skin is dry in the morning!). I feel that my skin looks instantly brighter after using these, and my serum and moisturiser soaks in even quicker aiding in the absorption of all the good vitamins my skin needs to stay fresh, soft and spot free.

They smell of a soft peach scent which is such a refreshing change to most toner/peel type products. I really love the smell and it's not over powering and quickly fades. They don't sting my eyes to the point of watering when I use the pads around my cheek bones which is also a pleasant change to what I've gotten used to with some skin care I've used over the years.

I would say these would be a suitable way to gently exfoliate your skin if you're too sensitive to use a scrub, or if you simply prefer a deep cleanse at the end of the night this will be a great option too. They have absolutely brightened and refined my skin and reduced the amount of breakouts that I get. I can't stress how much I love this product!

I purchased these from Kit Cosmetics for $44.95 and there are 60 pads in each container (this will last me ages as I really don't need to use them every night!). You can also purchase these from Mecca in Australia instore or online (they have a 4.7/5 rating on the Mecca website!).

Please note: I find it's always good to ask instore about skin care products so they can best address your skin care needs, so as always I would recommend popping into your local Kit or Mecca store so one of their friendly skin care experts can help you cater to your needs! Skin care really is such a personal thing and something that might work a treat for me, might not be so great for some one else.

Have you tried these Peter Thomas Roth pads? Are you a fan of the Peter Thomas Roth brand? What's your nightly skin care routine like? x

Tried and Loved - Garnier - Intensive 7 days Hydrating lotion - body moisturiser

 

When it comes to winter I am often neglectful of using moisturiser for my body. I spend all my time rugged up in pants and jumpers or stockings to cover as much skin as possible, so putting on moisturiser is the last thing I think to do. Out of sight out of mind right? Then I looked at my legs recently and realised I shouldn't neglect them any longer! 

Just like my face, my skin needs all the moisture it can get through winter to counteract the woes of artificial heating and stiff winter breezes. This is where the Garnier Intensive 7 day hydrating body lotion for normal skin has been my saviour. It really is intense, and my skin feels noticeably smoother and hydrated as soon as it's applied. 

Garnier says: 
"Garnier Intensive 7 days Repairing Lotion is powered by L-Bifidus* and naturally-derived aloe vera extract, specifically chosen for the moisture needs of normal skin. Its moisture-binding formulation provides hydration so intense you will still feel it for up to 7 days after the last application.**

- Fresh, lightweight texture is non-greasy & fast-absorbing
- Dermatologically tested
- Tested on sensitive skin - Colourant-free - Not for use on face

* L-Bifidus, Lysate of Bifidus.
** Consumer test, 51 people, 5 weeks. "

The main thing I look for in a body moisturiser is that it first and most importantly soaks in quickly. I don't have time to sit around with no clothes on when it's only 2 degrees outside, and I don't want to get dressed while I'm still lathered in body lotion either. Garnier's hydrating lotion soaks in almost immediately without leaving a thick residue, or any kind of sticky greasy feeling. It's perfect! And the results are seen just as quickly. 

It's easy for me to see how a moisturiser works with my skin as I have tattoos, and when I apply this they're instantly brighter. As soon as it's applied my skin is hydrated again and no longer flaky looking and rough, it's just soft and smooth! This hydration definitely lasts all day, and I find that being pretty lazy I will only apply this once a day and that's fine. Just to test how long this moisture lasts I only applied it to one arm 2 days ago, and the one that I applied it to is still noticeably smoother than the one where I hadn't applied it at all. The moisture really lasts so you can probably get away with only applying it a few times a week and you will still see results. 

Also important for me is that fact that it doesn't have an overpowering scent. I like the smell,  it smells nice and fresh with the aloe vera scent being most prominent. It's not sugar sweet so it's not something I will get sick of easily, and it's not strong enough to be noticeable over your own usual perfume which is great, and it still smells nice all day long.

There are several variants of this moisturiser within the range, and these include: Normal Skin (as I used), Dry Skin (with 3 different types within this range to suit your particular dry skin needs), and extra dry skin (with shea butter). There should definitely be something for everyone, but I'm quite happy with the normal skin version for me. It's still super moisturising! You can see more about what each particular version can do for you on the Garnier website here. 

Overall I am really happy with this product, and the price tag being so low makes it even more enticing. The packaging is quite nice, and the product easily dispenses. I love that it's not in a tub because I can squirt it straight onto my skin to apply it. The bottle should last a fair while too as you don't need a lot of this product as it's quite a thin consistency, and there's 400mls per bottle.

I purchased this from my local supermarket for $6.95, but you can also buy it from Priceline, Target, Kmart, and almost every chemist or supermarket. You can see a full list of stockists on the Garnier website here. 

Have you tried one of the Garnier body lotions? What did you think? What's your favourite body moisturiser? x

June - Lust Have it!

I am quite late in uploading and reviewing the June Lust Have It! beauty box, but it's always better late than never I say! Haha.

In case you haven't heard about the Beauty Box craze that's only hit Australia in the last 6 months or so (other Countries have been enjoying these for a lot longer than we have!) a beauty box is a paid subscription to receive samples from any number of beauty related companies to try before you buy each month. I have previously been subscribed to Glossybox, but they recently folded and joined up with the Lust have it! beauty box team. I was pretty sad that Glossybox wasn't successful in Australia as I know it's quite big overseas, but I'm quite happy with Lust Have It! so far (and love that they come in a re-usable makeup pouch rather than a box) so let's hope that continues. 

There are still a few other companies that ship out beauty boxes each month (Bella Box, I Love This Box, Beauty Basket, and of course Lust Have It!) You can see all the great brands affiliated with each beauty box on their website so personally I think it's best to check the brands and see which ones you think will suit you best. :) 

My personal experience with what I've received in the beauty boxes so far has been a little underwhelming, as I often see the great posts about what the overseas companies send out each month and get a little jealous that we're not as lucky in Aus! I'm hoping that more companies will be participating and that our beauty boxes get better as they start to mature. I do love the beauty boxes as a way of trying things I would never buy myself though, and they're a great way to try new brands I've never heard of before too.

But on to the June Lust Have It! contents.... 

This month I received:

- Batiste dry shampoo

I recently bought the brown version of this product and liked it but my hair is a little light for it now so this is a very welcome edition. I love that it's teeny too because it means I can keep it in the car, or travel with it easily - always a plus! 

- Lon Vitalite - 24k Active Golden Yulan Oil Facial Mask

This can be seen in the pictures below, and honestly it's one of the strangest face masks that I've used! I've never used a face mask before that isn't something you rub onto your face and leave, so having a cloth over my face soaked in the active ingredients with just little eye and mouth holes was such an odd feeling. I didn't hate it though, but boy did I look a sight. 

I took photos of the mask on, but it looked like something a serial killer would wear - terrifying! I'm quite glad I tried this one out when my boyfriend wasn't home. Haha. 

Overall the mask left my skin feeling soft and rejuvenated, and I'm not sure which ingredient caused it, but there was a tingling sensation like a menthol would give, but I don't see that on the ingredient list! The tingling took a little getting used to, and lasted a fair while once the mask was removed which was surprising. Having to leave the mask on for 15 - 20 minutes is also something I haven't experienced with a face mask before, but it didn't dry out at all and wasn't uncomfortable.  

- Lon Vitalite - 24k Active Gold Full Eye Mask

I haven't had a chance to try this one out yet sorry guys, but if it's anything like the facial mask above (same brand) it will be quite an experience! 

- Bloom - Glitter Eyeliner

When I saw this I thought "I'll never use that" and apart from wearing it to test it out, I really don't think I will very often. It just reminds me of being a 14 year old girl and plastering myself in glitter when it was "cool". Haha. 

Despite all that, the product itself is quite nice. It's really purple the glitter and applied quite easily with the thin brush tip. Pretty easy to use sparingly or apply a lot if you prefer that. I think I'd like to try this over a really dark eye, might be a nice little pop for a night out! 

The glitter didn't irritate my eyes at all and stayed quite well - just make sure you don't rub your eyes or just like black eye liner you'll end up with it (aka loads of glitter) all over you. 

- Marc Jacobs - 'Daisy' & 'Daisy Eau So Fresh' 

I've received samples of these perfumes previously and I really like it. It's nice and soft without being over powering (yay, no headaches for sensitive me!). I don't think these last on my skin as long as some other fragrances I have, but they're "eau de toilette" so that's probably why. I prefer something that will last all day. 

I love getting perfume samples because I always keep some in my handbag for emergencies, although my bottom drawer is quite full of them since signing up for beauty boxes this year. Haha.

Lust Have It! subscriptions are $14.95 per month and you can chose to cancel at any time if you're no longer interested in the service. I think they're a fun little surprise straight to your door each month!

What do you think of the June Lust Have It! Box? Do you sign up for any beauty box subscriptions? What are your thoughts? x

NOTW - Essie - A Crewed Interest & Essie - Shine Of The Times

[natural light]

[with flash]

This weeks Nail Of The Week is Essie - A Crewed Interest, with an accent nail of Essie - Shine Of The Times. 

Essie's 'A Crewed Interest' is from the Spring 2012 Navigate Her collection, which was full of nice lights and brights as can be seen in the full collection swatches here. A Crewed Interest is a beautiful peachy creme which applied quite well considering it is such a light colour. I was able to get an even opaque coverage in 2 coats, but then decided to put 'Shine Of The Times' over all my nails, then regretted it so did a top coat of  'A Crewed Interest' again on all the nails except the thumb and accent finger. Haha. I'm ridiculous I know! So that's why in the pictures the nail polish looks so thick! Sorry about that. 

The colour really is wonderful though. This is one of my favourites in a long time. It worked well against my pale skin, and was a nice colour in the sun, or in artificial light. Not too orange, but not too washed out either. If you're pale, I would definitely recommend this one! 

The Essie - Shine Of The Times flakie nail polish is a really soft highlight on this colour. Not too noticeable, but a gentle glimmer in the right light. It reflects a silver and gold mostly, and because it's over a light colour, the colour it reflects is a lot lighter too. 

This is definitely a nail polish I will be turning to again, and would work well with almost any outfit as it's so light and neutral. Essie nail polishes are yet to disappoint me and I can't wait to get more!

This is another nail polish I bought in my last haul (as seen in my post here) from mbeautylounge and was $7.10 ($US). You can probably also find this on ebay for around the same price, or BeautyBay.com are now stocking Essie and have A Crewed Interest available online for $11.90 ($AU) AND have free postage to Australia. Myer also stock Essie, but I'm unsure of their availability on every collection so just head in to your local store and see what they have. :)

What do you think of Essie's 'A Crewed Interest' and 'Shine Of The Times'? Have you got a favourite Essie nail polish? x

Instaweek #4

More instagram catch ups! :)

Early morning gym session | Beautiful morning sky | Black on black | Sausage dog driving friend | New disco pants | Sick day - green tea and books | Mum helped me make soup! | Fruit salad for vitamins | Chapel Street shopping spree | Winter face | Saturday night |  New lighter hair! Eeep! | Lazy hair | Casual Friday and big hair | Day in the life of | Date night | New goodies - Apple TV! | Stretchhhh | Why are stockings always too sheer? | Beauty Heaven prizes! | Run time | Spinach in my smoothie | Mirror Mirror | Pastels | Makeup | Pretty morning drive | Healthy shopping | Gig time | Eye makeup | Clean apple pie | New games! |  New jumper and a friends b'day | Good Saturday morning run | Yummy breakfast - oats! | Walking to the supermarket | Cheers! Friday drinks

Do you love instagram too? Feel free to follow me! User name: onwardprogress x

Tried & Loved - Clinique - Chubby Stick - Chunky Cherry

 

I was recently lucky enough to receive a Clinique Chubby Stick in the mail and boy was I excited to try this one out! Chubby sticks have been around for a little while now, but I missed out on purchasing with the initial hype about them and almost forgot I needed one until the recent competition on the Clinique Australia facebook that I posted about earlier in my blog!

Clinique describe the Chubby Stick as "Super-nourishing balm loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth. Eight mouth watering lip tints in all, each with a subtle sheen." The 8 shades are currently: Chunky Cherry, Graped-up, Mega Melon, Super Strawberry, Fuller Fig, Woppin’ Watermelon and Richer Raisin.

The shade I received was Chunky Cherry which is a nice sheer red which turned a little more pinky red once applied to my lips as can be seen in the swatch and then in the picture above. I would say that this looks to be the brightest of all the shades in the current collection, and probably not something I would wear everyday at work, but definitely something I would put on any time other than that (I work in an office of mostly men that look at me funny when I wear much makeup, haha). 

The packaging makes them super easy to apply, as with any other crayon or pencil type lipsticks/lip balms I've tried before, but the balm side of things makes these super smooth to swipe on in a hurry or on the go. I applied mine in the car after a hair cut in the picture above without the aid of a mirror and found it sat perfectly on my lips. Great to have in your bag for a quick pick me up with your makeup, or to go easily from day to night without fuss! You can easily layer the colour to be really sheer, or build up to show even more

The Chubby Stick is a wind up tube in the cute shape of a pencil, made from plastic and with a shiny metal feel and look cap and tip. The product just feels nice in your hand like you know it's quality materials, and you know it's going to last, but without being too heavy to keep in your handbag every day. The packaging is really one of the things that draws me in with these because it's so different to most other lipsticks or lip balms on the market. If you've got a Clinique Chubby Stick, you know it's a Clinique Chubby Stick!


Overall I think the product lasted fairly well on my lips and was quite comfortable. It was hydrating enough to keep wearing through out the day with touch ups only needed from the Chubby Stick, rather than a lot of products where I still need a lot more moisture so my lips don't crack or dry out - I think the mango and shea butters work nicely here for that. I also like the consistency. It's smooth enough to glide onto your lips with ease, but also tacky enough to stick around for a while and you can feel it lightly on your lips without being too sticky. It's almost like a matte lipstick once it's been on your lips for a while, it doesn't dry your lips out but it's not overly slick, so if you need a little more moisture than that through the day I would probably top up with something like the Clinique Superbalm moisturising gloss I reviewed earlier in my blog.  


As with most Clinique products I've tried these are not scented. Sometimes I love a little gimmick of smell, and with such cute names it'd be nice to have the scent to match, but I also don't feel like I'm missing out without a scent in these products as the product speaks for itself and is present where it needs to be without being overpowering in any dimension.


I know there is a lot of hype about hybrid lip balm/lipsticks at the moment, but from the others that I've tried so far this seems to be the classic, and the best for a reason. I honestly can't wait to get more of these and wear them everyday! 


I was given this chubby stick to review, but you can purchase these from Clinique stores Australia wide for $35. I think this will honestly last me ages as a little product goes a long way! You can find your nearest Clinque stockist on their website here or you can also buy directly from the Clinique Australia website as they usually have awesome bonuses and free samples going on with their web-store. 


As an added bonus, there are 8 (yes EIGHT!) new shades being released at the end of this month, and I was lucky enough to be sent a preview to share. These can be seen in the image below: 

[image courtesy of Clinique Australia]

Have you tried Clinique's Chubby Stick yet? What do you love / loathe about them? What's your favourite colour? x

Thank you Beauty Heaven and Blogstar 2012 voters!

I would just like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to not only the Beauty Heaven website for their wonderful competition with the Blogstar Awards for 2012, but also to every single person who came to read my blog, and to vote over the course of the competition. 

My blog is so new, only being a few months old, but the warmth and feedback I have had from everyone visiting and following my blog has more than made me feel welcome in the blogging community. I'm so glad you're enjoying what I post, and I love interacting with you in the comments of each post! 

I hope you continue to stick with me as my blogging journey continues, and remember if there's ever anything you want to ask or would like for me to review I am more than happy to hear feedback/requests. :)

In the picture above is the prize pack I received for being a finalist in the Blogstar Awards, and also the mascara for being one of the first few to enter the competition. Can't wait to review them soon, such great goodies! 

Congratulations to all the winners for this year, especially Sandy for her amazing winning entry for Best Beauty Blog Post - New Blog with her unique perfume bottle inspired looks which can be seen here: http://loveorsickaddiction.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/blogstar-entry-perfume-bottle-inspired.html 

Look forward to reading/hearing more from you all soon. Thanks again! x

Rimmel London - Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara

[Left: length     -      Right: length + volume]

I had been intrigued about mascara like this since I first became aware of the MAC - Haute & Naughty Lash. It looked like magic to me! How could there be 2 different brushes in the one tube?! Haha. 

I always wanted to try the MAC - Haute & Naughty as I had heard great things about it, but never got around to it to be honest and almost forgot about it until I recently saw this Rimmel version of the same concept. I actually ended up getting this free when Priceline had a promo on Rimmel products which was nice!

There are essentially 2 kinds of mascara wands in the same package, one is packaged as giving your lashes length and the other is for volume. As you can see from the photos above the length mascara wand is thin and the bristles are quite separated, and the volume wand is quite dense and thick and there was a lot more product on the brush. 

Rimmel's description of the product on their website is "Introducing  Day-2-Night, Rimmel’s unbeatable new mascara that creates 2 dramatically different lash looks, all with 1 amazing new system. The secret is the magic double cap! 1.Choose The Top Cap for Length. Stretches lashes to new distances, exceptionally defined and ultra-lengthened. 2.Choose the Bottom Cap for Volume. Thickens lashes with voluptuous, oversized volume. Not a clump in sight." 

I would agree that the system does work in that way, but I don't know that it works as dramatically as they make it sound. Haha. 

I found that the lengthening brush was thin, very thin to the point of being flimsy and a little hard to work with. It applied hardly any product at all, but it did separate my lashes quite well and added length in comparison to my bare lashes - but not the best I've ever seen a mascara work for length. I really liked that it separated my lashes so neatly, and it worked to your advantage with separation having hardly any product on the brush as they don't have anything to stick them together with.

The volume brush was a little hard to work with as well because the product was just so wet. I know in the picture my lashes look quite good in the end and there's no clumping which is what Rimmel had promised, but it took a lot of fiddling around to get them to look this neat. It's not the easiest mascara wand I've used before, but the end result is quite nice and they're really nice and black which definitely promotes the "Day 2 Night" appeal of the mascara. Maybe once I've used the mascara a bit more it will dry up a little more to get the consistency easier to work with - this happens sometimes with new mascaras that they're quite 'wet' as there's obviously a lot of product and it's fresh.

Overall I think this is a great way to go from "Day 2 Night" as the mascara implies, but the "length" application on it's own really is a bit too light for me personally as I tend to indulge with bold lashes every day. It's definitely a great 2 in 1 product which is budget friendly and builds nicely if you're prepared to fiddle around a little with the brushes to get them set perfectly. 

Rimmel Glam Eyes Day 2 Night mascara is available in Australia from Priceline for $16.95 , or you can also find your nearest stockist online on the Rimmel website as they stock the brand in Target, Kmart, Big W, Coles, Woolworths, and David Jones as well. 

Have you tried a 2 step mascara like this before? What was your experience like? What are your all time favourite mascaras? x