85th Annual Academy Awards of Beauty

This year's Academy Awards, hosted by Seth MacFarlane, had a few memorable moments. Jennifer Lawrence's fall, each and every one of MacFarlane's completely inappropriate jokes... but that's not what I'm going to chat about. This post is all about the makeup. My faves, in no particular order:


Halle Berry

This year my favourites were all about the natural look (with a few exceptions). Berry rocked that short 'do and I love the understated lip and smoldering eyes.

Anne Hathaway

I'm not a huge fan of Anne Hathaway. Quite frankly, she annoys me. But she was ok as catwoman, and I can't deny that she looked great at the Academy Awards this year.

Naomi Watts

I love this lady. Have done every since she was the super-sexy Jet in Tank Girl (yeah, I know, I'm old.) This year I loved her beachy, messy hair and simple makeup - she just looked flawless.

Adele

I always love Adele's look. '60s glamour with the liquid liner and dramatic eyelashes... you just can't go wrong.

Sandra Bullock

 Sandra's simple hair and understated makeup created a look that was effortlessly glamorous. That barette behind her ear is the perfect embellishment. 

Charlize Theron

Few can pull off the pixie cut on the red carpet, but Charlize was stunning. I've always thought she was one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, and her look this year only served to augment that opinion. 

Amy Adams

This girl is such an effortless beauty. She's got that kind of beauty that you don't really notice at first 'cos it's understated, but once you notice it, you can't exactly UN-notice it. Know what I mean? She looked absolutely stunning on the red carpet - and my god I'd kill for her skin!

Jennifer Lawrence

On top of winning an oscar, this girl looked fantastic and gave one of the bitchin'-est post-Oscar interviews ever.

Kerry Washington

Every time I watch Scandal, I basically spend 45 minutes wondering what the hell this girl's skincare regime consists of. Diamond lotion? Milk and honey baths? Virgin sacrifice? Whatever it is, it works. 

Salma Hayek

Salma's queen of the smoldering dark eye and flawless golden complexion. And she's curvy in all the right places. 

Jessica Chastain

I'm kinda "meh" about her, but I have to admit, she looked pretty put together on the red carpet!

Kristen Stewart

Kristen's endured a lot of flack for taking casual too far with that 'do. Personally, though, I don't see the problem. She wore a dress, right?

Jennifer Aniston

   
Again with the casual hair that got ragged on - but I love it. And, as always, Aniston's skin and overall makeup are laid back but flawless. 

And an honourable mention just cos he's dapper: Joseph Gordon Levitt

 Nothing to do with makeup, but  he's just... gorgeous.

That's it for the 85th Annual Academy Awards. What were your favourites and least favourites? Share in the comments!

Origins - Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

I recently got an Origins sample kit as a 500-point perk from Sephora. It included a trial size Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash tube. At first when I tried it I wasn't super impressed. I also squeezed out waaaaaay too much! But I stuck with it and after using it for a few weeks, I gotta say - I'm in love!

The first thing I love about this is that when it says frothy, it means frothy. You need just a tiny amount - less than half the amount of cleanser I normally use - and it'll foam up like crazy. I love the quality of the foam, too. It's not bubbly and full of air. Rather it's a dense, rich foam that really coats my face in a deep-cleansing lather that feels like it's really getting my skin clean, but without leaving it feeling dry.

It also has a lovely, refreshing mint scent to it that leaves my skin feeling just a little bit tingly. This and the consistency remind me a bit of Noxzema, but it's much foamier, not as intense in smell and much gentler.

When I was on a trip for a few days, I wanted to pack light so I just took this and used it morning and night along with my Embryolisse. I don't know if it was one or the other or the combination of both, but my skin felt a-mazing.

It's pretty gentle, so my sensitive skin doesn't react to it and I think it would be good for all skin types. I doubt my bathroom will ever be without this cleanser again.

Origins products are pretty pricey, and this is no exception. But, because you need so little - seriously, the smallest amount you can squeeze out is enough - it will last so long that it probably ends up being about the same cost as a cleanser a third the cost. Totally worth it in my opinion. 

Have you tried it? What do you think?

Becca - Resurfacing Primer

I got this in Vegas  (along with a bunch of other Becca products since they don't sell them in Sephora stores here!) and I've been using it pretty regularly ever since. I like the texture - it goes on smoothly and leaves skin soft and even for applying foundation.

Like with all Becca products I've used so far, it has a lovely scent, and there's just something... expensive feeling about it. I mean, it's not cheap, but I just mean it's a little bit special. I would imagine it's particularly good for mature or sensitive skin because it doesn't pull or feel greasy. It's not my top favourite (I still love the MUFE HD one the best), but it's one of the top of my list!

Nars 413 Blkr Eyeshadow Duo

This duo was part of the 413 Blkr collection, exclusive to Nars' flagship US store, located at 413 Bleeker Street in New York. You can only buy it at that location or online. There are a few other things in the collection, but this is what really got my attention.

The colour on the left is a lovely undertoned slate-mauve that's beautiful with some black liner for daytime. the colour on the right is a matte black with red shimmer - very similar to MAC Beauty Marked. I honestly doubt I'll get through it very quickly, but the duo is so pretty!

Get 'em before they're gone!