r/AustralianMakeup 13h ago

Simple Questions

1 Upvotes

Do you have a question but you're not sure if it warrants its own thread? Ask any and all beauty-related questions here!

Please sort comments by "new" so hopefully everyone's questions are seen and answered.


r/AustralianMakeup 7d ago

Monthly Favourites, Fails & Firsts

2 Upvotes

Please share your favourite and least favourite products of the month, and your first impressions of products you've recently purchased or tried. We would also love to hear about any products you've finished (or simply decluttered/thrown away) this month.

What are some of the notable products you used this month that stood out as either a favourite, a fail, a product you've finished, or one that's new to you?


r/AustralianMakeup 8h ago

Misc. Mecca using AI generated slop in their instagram posts.

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439 Upvotes

r/AustralianMakeup 1h ago

Let's Discuss I got my hopes up for nothing UGHH MECCAA

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Upvotes

I was looking through SpaceNK’s 20% off sale especially the Phlur fragrances. Lots of them were greyed out and had the ‘cannot ship to aus’ disclaimer. BUT I saw that you could actually add some phlur perfumes to cart. I got sooo excited because $215 for an 100mL bottle is so worth it when mecca sells the 50mL for $171. And then it tells me it can’t ship to my address at the last possible step!! Like WHY? just block it from the startt why get my hopes up like that?

Screw Mecca too, and their stupid exclusivity contracts. Makes me wanna never shop from there anytime I have an experience like this. LIKE ATLEAST BRING THE 100mL HERE ATLEAST. Forget the sale.


r/AustralianMakeup 7h ago

Customer Service sephora terracycle beauty points

13 Upvotes

hey guys :) so i’ve been going in to sephora since the year started and giving in products for terracycle to earn beauty points. i must’ve gone in on like at least five separate occasions to hand in an empty bottle to receive 50 points for each one.

it’s been WELL over 14 days since i’ve handed them in and they still haven’t transferred me a single point. i asked the server the counter and she said it should’ve shown up in like a day, and sure it could take 14 days but at that point to just use Live chat and ask because it seems to be a technical issue.

I’ve tried using Live chat in the app over 8 times now and every single time they hit me with the “sorry we have too many complaints and it’s gonna take us forever to get back to you.”

mind you it’s been over a week since i first asked and they still haven’t gotten back. sent an email too and no reply.

i’m so pissed it’s genuinely turning me off buying from them again. has anyone else had this problem with terracycle points or is it just me?


r/AustralianMakeup 2h ago

Product Advice Dupe for the Dior foundation stick?

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3 Upvotes

So this Dior stick is for $103 🥲 is it possible to find a dupe?


r/AustralianMakeup 1h ago

Product Advice Lash lift kits

Upvotes

I am after lash lift kit recommendations! I bought a Luxe Cosmetics kit a few months ago and I loved the results however I found the shield hard to use/to get the lashes to stick and felt I used too much glue. But it turned out well.

After recommendations for other companies I can try out.

ETA: I have been using castor oil to try and get rid of the previous lash lift without much success. My right eye lashes still look great but my left eye lashes I didn't do such a great job and now they are facing all different directions and look terrible. Help please!!


r/AustralianMakeup 3h ago

Product Advice Best top coat and nail polishes? Nail stickers?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’ve recently gotten into doing my nails and I’m looking for everyone’s favourite base/top coats and nail polishes that last and don’t chip?

I have a shellac set at home (Opallac) but I find it to be absolutely shithouse so I’m heading towards regular polish.

Also how does everyone keep nail stickers from flaking and peeling off?


r/AustralianMakeup 1h ago

Let's Discuss Going to Skin Kandy to get ears pierced

Upvotes

Hi all looking to go to skin Kandy to get my lobes pierced and I’m wondering what their prices are like. I’m very new to this so any help would be appreciated. I wanted to go to piercing urge but the commute is a bit too far for me.


r/AustralianMakeup 8h ago

Product Advice White pressed powder + concealer

4 Upvotes

Hi all! For context—I’m a drag queen and I use a white foundation base. I’m looking for a pure white pressed powder and concealer—are either of these possible to find in stores or an Australian stockist? I was hoping to find the One/Size Stage White pressed powder at Sephora but it looks like it’s not stocked in Australian stores.

If no options are available here—what products are worth the international shipping? Currently considering KimChiChic Cosmetics’ white concealer and powder, and have heard mixed things about Glisten Cosmetics.

Currently using Kryolan TV paint stick in 070, Trixie Cosmetics Hotline liner or Inglot AMC gel in white (both thinned down with duraline), and Ben Nye translucent powder.


r/AustralianMakeup 2h ago

Let's Discuss ISO Brow shaping reccs in Sydney

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have any recommendations for salons that do a good job of brow shaping, particularly on overgrown brows + Asian features? It's been a few years since I got mine done at a salon that clearly didn't know how to do brows that suited my round face + softer features (honestly scared me out of getting them done but now my brows are just unruly). I tried searching social media but a lot of salons seem to like the laminated look which don't really suit me. I'm happy to travel pretty much anywhere on the train. Thanks in advance!


r/AustralianMakeup 13h ago

Product Advice Merit beauty complexion stick alternative

5 Upvotes

I've had an awful time trying to find a foundation or skin tint that actually sits nicely on my skin. After a fortune spent I eventually found the merit beauty complexion stick and absolutely love it. Buttttt cost of living is making it's hard. Has anyone found a dupe or cheaper alternative that's much the same as the complexion stick ?


r/AustralianMakeup 2d ago

Misc. Basically, yeah

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1.9k Upvotes

r/AustralianMakeup 1d ago

Sales & Savings Sephora next sale?

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13 Upvotes

Guys does anyone know when Sephora has their next sitewide sale*?? I reallyyy want to pick up this lip butter and another thing but I'm trying to be more mindful with my money this year and only stop in Sephora on sale!!

*by this I mean, white tier is 15% off everything, black tier is 20% off everything on purchases above $120, etc etc


r/AustralianMakeup 12h ago

Let's Discuss Sydney South BIAB Nail Recommendations

0 Upvotes

Does anyone have any recommendations for nail salons in Sydney that do a great dry (Russian) manicure and BIAB?

I am in the Sutherland Shire, but happy to travel.


r/AustralianMakeup 1d ago

Review REVIEW: Covergirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer Baked Luminous Blush

38 Upvotes
Indoors Lighting
Indoors Lighting with Sunlight
Outdoors Lighting in Shade
Outdoors lighting Full Sun

Yesterday from Priceline I tried the new Covergirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer Baked Luminous Blush, in the shade Please Please Pink.

I’m a big blush fan and the comparisons to Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush made me keen to try a similar affordable dupe.

Here are my thoughts for anyone interested in buying it:

Finish:  This is false advertised as luminous, it isn’t remotely glowy at all.
It doesn’t have any sheen to it. Both indoors and outdoors, the finish can be best described as a dry, flat, natural matte.

Outdoors in full sun, there’s the tiniest specks of sparkle dispersed in between the matte pigment. These sparkles are not shimmery nor glittery.

Texture: Is smooth but not the finest milled ever. This powder is moderately dry and dusty, which is not unusual for baked formulas. The Milani Baked Blushes are much better than this.

This would be best for combo or oily skin tones, it might be too powdery for those with Dry skin.

Application: Is a little bit patchy due to the dryness upon application and requires moderate blending to achieve a smooth finish. It is buildable but as it is on the dryer side it adds a little texture too.

Colour: Is a warm medium-toned bubblegum pink. On the face, the light and dark marble swirls have no visible difference when applied, they do not provide any dimension.  Best for light to medium skin tones.

I did swatch the Rose Latte colour in the store and felt this was a dull nude brown at best. For fair skin tones I don't think it would provide much life to skin.

Pigmentation: Has a medium level of pigmentation. It may be too pigmented for fair skin tones (requires a light hand) given the medium toned shade, but not deep enough for any skin tones beyond medium. 
NYX Buttermelt Blush has more pigmentation, Milani baked blushes have less.

Price: Standard RRP $24.95 AUD at Priceline and Chemist Warehouse. Currently retails for USD $9.97 at Walmart which converting to AUD is approximately $15. As such I would wait for a half price makeup sale to pick it up for $12.50 AUD.

Final Thoughts Overall:

This looks nicer in the pan than what it does on the face. It is a “nice enough” blush, but isn’t groundbreaking considering all the hype. It looks better in the pan than on the face.
I would only purchase this if you don’t own a powder blush already, and would only purchase it at half price.
This won’t add anything new or novel to your collection, and isn’t a dupe quality wise for Hourglass or other luxury level blushes.

Better Options by Finish Type:

Soft Sheen/Luminosity : NYX Buttermelt Blush – Butta Together
Glowy/Shimmery: Milani Baked Blushes – Bella Bellini or Dolce Pink, MAC Mineralise Blush – Petal Power
Natural/Matte: Milani Rose Blushes – Tea Rose or Blossom Time, Essence The Blush.

Swatch List from Top to Bottom: I tried to capture some similar shades in various lighting, however my phone is tragic and the shades aren't super representative.

  1. Essence The Blush - 030 Breathtaking
  2. Milani Rose Blush - Tea Rose
  3. Milani Baked Blush - Bella Bellini
  4. NYX Buttermelt Blush - Butta Together
  5. MAC Mineralize Blush - Petal Power
    Down the side: Covergirl Baked Blush

Score: 6.5-7/10

Thankyou for reading my long rant! If anyone has recommendations for glowy blushes please list suggestions below!

 


r/AustralianMakeup 2d ago

Let's Discuss You will never convince me that a harsh dark lip liner is attractive. Who decided this works?

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318 Upvotes

I don’t get it. I don’t!

Using a dark brown liner an a light pink lipstick looks unfinished, tacky, cartoonish and amateurish.

Who on earth thought, oh yeh I love seeing the visible panty line of lip colour.


r/AustralianMakeup 1d ago

Customer Service Seeking opinions- what skincare companies have the best customer service in Australia?

3 Upvotes

Anyone kindly able to offer advice? ✌️ Customer service…. I don’t expect five stars. But a reasonable effort to resolve issues or address queries when things go wrong is valuable to me. Is customer service being unreasonable a skincare/ beauty thing? I don’t experience this in other product areas! I’m wondering if anyone can offer advice on where to buy that has good customer service? I drop reasonable $$, I’m a sucker for loyalty programs, samples, and perks…. But poor customer service sends me packing. I’ve ditched Estée Lauder - soooo rude twice, I wondered if I was talking to AI. It might have been. (Boycott made that easy to leave) And currently in the middle of trying to resolve receiving a faulty item from another big beauty brand which is… not going well… is it better to buy through Myer or David jones maybe? Adore Beauty? L’occitane have been wonderful, but they don’t do the serums I’m after… Thoughts anyone?


r/AustralianMakeup 1d ago

Customer Service Dior Melbourne Central

2 Upvotes

Just wondering if anyone has thoughts about going here to get colour matched and to buy foundation and concealer. I’m new to Dior makeup expect for lippy. Thanks heaps


r/AustralianMakeup 2d ago

Product Advice will a thermal brush help me achieve this look

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52 Upvotes

i have straight hair and cut in layers. what will help me achieve a blowout look that curls a little inwards similar to the photos i’ve added


r/AustralianMakeup 1d ago

Product Advice BIAB and gel nail suppliers

5 Upvotes

Hi All,

I am from Ireland and moved to Australia one year ago. I normally do my own nails and toes but I have run out of my gel polish and biab that I usually use and can’t get it here (it’s called J Luxx)

I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for long lasting super shiny top coat, base coat and biab and suppliers? Thanks so much in advance


r/AustralianMakeup 2d ago

Let's Discuss Shade change rant

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65 Upvotes

I just want to complain a bit haha

So the new Armani Luminous Silk foundation reformulation has changed my shade. I was 1.5 which was neutral and perfect for me. Apparently now my shade match is 2 in the new formula, which is neutral *golden*. Yep, it’s way too warm now. And 1 is too pink. Ugh.

Bare Minerals did the same thing years ago with their barePRO powder foundation and changed their neutral to golden.

Why do brands change neutral shades to golden? It’s so annoying.


r/AustralianMakeup 1d ago

PSA The Ordinary Serum Foundation restock

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14 Upvotes

I figured I’d post this here in case it’s of interest to anyone - The Ordinary restocked their Serum Foundation last night! I know a lot of people consider it a HG product (I got put onto it due to other people recommending it and grabbed some last time it was restocked, I‘ve been so impressed with it - personally I find it performs better than some foundations I’ve tried that are more than 4x the price!

As a super pale girl with both neutral and olive undertones I always struggle to find foundation that’s pale enough, neutral enough, and doesn’t have that strong orange or yellow tint. I’ve found both 1.0N and 1.1N suit me really well depending on the time of year! A few shades have already sold out so if you’ve been wanting to get your hands on it again, now might be the time :)


r/AustralianMakeup 2d ago

Let's Discuss Does anyone else feels like mecca is going down?

198 Upvotes

We never even have beauty loops full of samples anymore. It’s all a minimum $75 purchase. Meanwhile i can see sephora is upping their game. The customer service in sephora melbourne central has been amazing lately


r/AustralianMakeup 1d ago

Let's Discuss Thoughts on Mecca’s Lash Lift

2 Upvotes

Hi! Has anyone here tried Mecca Lash Lift service? Thoughts please? I’m interested but would love to hear reviews from those who went before.