Rimmel - Scandaleyes - Waterproof Micro Eyeliner

I really wanted this to work!

It is something about my skin, my face produces so much oil (which isn't always bad). It is because of this natural oil that this felt-tip liner won't work on me.

The minute I try to line my eyes, it just stops working. The oils preventing the wicking action that the marker-like eye liner works by.

On my hand, this works fine. Moderate colour intensity, good line control.

Please, Rimmel, make a felt-tip liner that works for me!

Price: 1.5/5 (RRP $12.95 for 1.1mL)
Scent: 2.5/5 (none)
Effectiveness: 0/5 (on me)

Palmer's - Cocoa Butter Formula - Original Solid Formula

When I was looking at this to buy, I thought "Oh cool! A solid form of the lotion I love! This will be great!"

But to make it solid, it contains mineral oil and microcrystalline wax, things I like to avoid.
(Kind of wish I was shopping in-store, could have read the label prior to purchase)

This is like hard Vaseline mixed with the Palmer's lotion. I can make that myself if I wanted it.

It smells like Palmer's lotion but can't be applied to the body easily. I ended up using it up as a night time foot treatment.

Price: 4/5 (RRP $9.49 for 100g)
Scent: 5/5
Effectiveness: 1/5

Same Product, Different Scent: Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy - Pear and Pink Magnolia

It's sweet, fruity, floral, and a perfect summer scent! Loved this!
And the formula is still as rich as any other scent in this range.

Thursday Plantation - Tea Tree Hand & Body Lotion

Like Toula's father in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' who thinks Windex is a panacea, my alleged father thinks tea tree oil cures all.

I usually just tell him that he expects too much of a simple oil and leave it at that.

Then recently I got a little bit of a dry patch on my leg and figured why not use this for a test?

The Thursday Plantation hand and body lotion smells strongly of tea tree oil, but also contains a number of other botanical extracts as well, including witch hazel, macadamia and honeysuckle.
It is a good viscosity for a lotion as well.

I put it on my dry skin for three days and... It tore my skin to shreads! :(
It became red, itchy, weeping and sore.

I think the problem may be that this contains too much of the oil... and that the oil is NOT the magical cure-all you think it is, father!

A better treatment for dry skin/burns/eczema:

Soooo much better!

Price: 3.5/5 (RRP $13.30 for 200mL)
Scent: 1/5 (I think it is stinky)
Effectiveness: 0/5

Thesis done!

and I have an MRI tonight (exciting times)

But back to le blog!

Break time!

I need to take a break for a little while (again). I need to finish my thesis corrections or my supervisor will break my legs.

Literally. 

Art break - Wall art for R

R had a thin line of unpainted wall above his cistern replaced with a smaller one. He wanted it covered and I offered to design something for him.

Requirements:
- Non-wall damaging (rented apartment).
- Waterproof.
- Simple.

So I decided to use some clear plastic and acrylic paint (which could be mounted to the wall with blu-tack). The soft clear plastic also gave a flexibility, meaning it can be moulded to the wall-cistern join.

I made geometric shapes with painting tape and then painted them, with swirls and dabs to give interesting textures to the paint.

Remember: take the photo, then start the painting!

The colours I used were purple, grey, green and pink. These were to match the decor in R's house.

When it was all painted, I coated the paint with some varnish to help seal it.

Then I cut around the shapes with scissors and mounted it.

Verdict: He didn't like it. And that's okay. You don't always get it right. The important thing is to keep on trying and keep learning new skills and techniques. 

(... Also, he will probably never get around to changing it. Muhahahaha! :p) 

Podcast Review - I Don't Even Own a Television

This is a podcast about bad books, reviewed and analysed so you don't have to.

It's a horrible feeling to waste your time reading a bad book when there are so many good books out there.

I want my time back, Tim Lebbon!

So, in theme with the show, let's do some high-points and low-points!

High-points:

- You get to hear about bad books and know what to avoid.
- Difficult and complicated subject matter is approached and handled in a mature and considerate manner.
- It is really funny at times.
- It is an easy listen, it doesn't feel like a chore.

Low-points:

- I don't like the jingles (I expect disagreements on this point).
- The audio quality from live shows/skype guests is distracting.

There are clearly more positives than negatives.

So if you are a bibliophile, check it out!

'Night of the Crabs' is a great place to start.

Category: Books/Review
My Rating: 3.5/5

Sinful Colours - Nail Polish - Endless Blue 

This was a cheap nail polish that I picked up for the shade, and it worked ok.

The packaging left some things to be desired. The brush was too small and inflexible and the bottle leaked :O A big negative.

It wasn't that colour intense, and required 2-3 coats for full coverage.

I can't recommend this.

A better version of this would be the Models Prefer brand.

Price: 4/5 ($4.95)
Scent: 1/5 (don't sniff)
Effectiveness: 1/5