Glitter Injections: Honest review

L-R: Love Letter, Copper Crush, Rose Gold, Insta Love 

I saw this brand floating around Insta for a long time, and finally took the plunge. You've probably seen mixed reviews and if you're not new to the scene, you have heard the drama over this brand (see Hannah Schroder's video here, along with her update). There are more in depth stories, just Google it,  I won't get into it, but I agree with the pros and cons. Basically they are aesthetically impactful, but some people have experienced issues over the last couple of years.

I believe they have updated their formula in recent times - and I have had mine for 8+ months and have not experienced any issues at all. I purposefully waited this long to post a review or any pics in the interest of fairness, just to see the longevity of the product and find out if those issues arose. They didn't - all my glitters still look and smell as they did on original purchase (in the pics shown).

T-B: Insta Love, Rose Gold, Copper Crush, Love Letter, [discontinued duo Moonlight Melody]

Personally, I think it's a fun product to play with, they are really cute and great for dramatic effect - but I haven't (and won't) use regularly as there are other glitter formulas that arguably stay put longer + are arguably safer. Honestly, Glitter Injections are pretty pricey, and there are other brands similar which have not had the drama involved, which I feel a bit better about (If you're interested in my faves, send me a message, let's chat about them). Glitter Injections might be good for one-time costume makeup or even if you don't use them on the eyes, and use for other areas of the face or body?

To each their own, and like I said they are still pretty fun and I haven't had any issues yet, so if you do want to try Glitter Injections, you can do so at your own discretion. Click here for the store.

J x

11 things that happen when you get SNS nails

1. Your nail tech / YouTubers / Insta fam will hype up SNS "it's like half acrylic, half gel, seriously just do it". You won't be bothered to change your routine, cos if it ain't broke, why fix it?
2. You will subsequently get bored of your routine / finally get the guts to try something new / discover a fab new salon with killer SNS colours 6 months later and realise it's time to take the plunge.
3. Your nails will be prepped similar to gel nails, and you'll wonder what all the fuss is about.
4. Your nails will be primed, then dipped in SNS powder. They'll tap off the excess leaving a thin layer of product and you'll think "huh, this is weird AF but I kinda like it".
5. There will be more priming, dipping and  tapping. You will wonder if this is what it's like to stick your hand in a bowl of sprinkles. This is not the first time you have thought about sticking your hand in a bowl of sprinkles. You will contemplate sprinkles for the next five fingers. 
6. Each powder layer will set in 10 seconds and you will suddenly realise this is magic. You have discovered Hogwarts in the middle of a shopping centre.
7. Fifteen minutes later, you're all sprinkled up like a doughnut. Your nails feel fat and heavy (did your nails EAT the proverbial doughnut?) But don't fret - the comforting sound of the electric nail file fills the air. Here's where the acrylic-nail-esque action takes place.
8. Carefully sculpted, it's doughnut glazing time. They prime once more, whip out the clear gel top coat, then your nails are glossed to perfection.
9. You will mentally prepare for the UV light to bake your doughnut fingers under. You will smile expectantly at your nail tech and they will entertain your weirdness for about 3 seconds before reminding  you that no, you do not need UV light treatment for SNS.
10. You will be amazed, even though you knew this prior. No bake, no fuss, no skin damage. They also tell you it will last way longer than gel, and be more resilient like acrylic.
11. Another fifteen later, it's dry and you're good to go. You pay, you leave, you look down at your hands and revel in the awesomeness.

You made it. You're wearing magic. You've got a killer mani. You're fierce. You're starving. You buy a doughnut.

• 

J x

Deluxe Samples, Mecca Maxima Beauty Loop, & Newbies

Life is short, Buy the shoes!!! (Get this rose gold & white polka dot quote card from Kikki K here)

Happy Sunday!

Incidentally, it's also Mother's Day! In my adventures purchasing a few of my favourite beauty products for my Mum, I managed to score a few freebie deluxe samples from Revlon and Mecca Maxima.

I'll get into the samples in a sec! But first, pictured above are a few new acquisitions:

Essie Buy Me A Cameo - a metallic nude shade that I've been eyeing for a while;

NARS Audacious Lipstick Natalie - you all already know how much I fell in love with Grace, so this was on my hit list this week! Beautiful rosy pink, and super pigmented;

Colette Off Duty Blogger clutch - gonna use this for travelling, probably put my vlogging camera & Macbook charger etc. in there :)

REVLON BEAUTY BAG

I believe it was a AU$39.95 spend to receive the beauty bag at Myer with 5 full sized samples.

I haven't included the free eyeshadow quad & nail polish in the photo, as I gave them to my Mum along with the makeup bag it all came in!

I did purchase a creme lipstick in Pink Velvet (one of my staples which I gifted to Mumma Bear also), and my daily Colorstay pressed powder, so I was well over the minimum to receive the beauty bag.

I kept the Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator, Ultra HD Lipstick 830 HD Rose, and Colorstay Brow Fantasy crayon/gel duo in Brunette. Will post an update on how these products go in weeks to come - I already love the Lipstick shade, but it does have a scent to it which I don't know if I love or hate yet! Ha!

You can shop Revlon at Myer here! Hurry in to get your freebie beauty bag, I'm not for sure when the promotion ends.

MECCA MAXMIA BEAUTY LOOP SAMPLE BOX

This is what I love about member rewards at beauty and cosmetics stores! 

I've not tried any of these products before, but super excited to crack them open:

NARS Light Optimising Primer

Ren Micro Polish Cleanser

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder 

The last one is especially intriguing! Hyaluronic acid finishing powder for brushing over night cream or over makeup. Will for sure be updating you guys on that one.

Head on over to Mecca Maxima and join the Beauty Loop - There are 4 sample boxes per year, and a ton of other cool perks.

Last but not least, a sneaky purchase from Forever New, how cool is this! The glitter moves all around - and we know how much I love my sparkles. 

Countess Sophia Fits iPhone 6, and you can find it here.

Let me know if you see any cool promos happening at the moment that I should be jumping on, or any stores doing awesome loyalty perks! 

And as always, I'll be sharing any I see with you guys on here :)

J x