Kit Duo Cheek & Lip Crème in Turn It On

Hey all, 

I know that I have apologised a few times to date, but sorry for the lack of posting in the past few days. Sadly, life sometimes gets in the way of blogging! At least I will be getting a large overtime bonus from work this week! 

I have been on a bit of a Kit kick recently, and on a bit of a cream blush kick as well. 

So, ta-dah!

What I Love 

- Gorgeous colour combination that would suit any skin tone. 

- Smooth and creamy product, that is not sticky at all. 

- Highly pigmented and blends easily. 

- Long lasting, especially when set with powder. 

- I adore Kit packaging, absolutely adore it! 

- For an added bonus, it is also made in Australia. 

Where to Buy: Mecca Cosmetica, Myer and Online. 

Price: $34.95 

Swatches

Without Flash 

With Flash 

All I have to say is, it's so purrrrdy! Haha! 

I haven't yet used it on my lips, as I have enough lipstick to get through as it is - but I am sure that it would work just swimmingly! They have another colour pair that I am eyeing off at the moment and I have a feeling that you will be seeing swatches of it very, very soon! 

What is your favourite cream blush? 

Hope you all are well! xx

Covergirl Eye Enhancers Quad in Dream Eyes

Hey all,

This quad is a beauty guru and blogger favourite, and I have heard it spoken about time after time. So naturally, I had to try it for myself. I haven't tried very many Covergirl products before, as the brand has never really caught my attention. But saying that, I am glad that curiosity got the better of me and I picked this one up! 

What I Love 

- Highly pigmented - I was pleasantly surprised with the colour packed into this quad! 

- Well put together - all the shades compliment each other. 

- Creamy, smooth and easy to blend. 

- Long lasting with a primer. 

- Reasonably priced! 

What I Don't 

- I am not a fan of the packaging. I'm not sure why, but it doesn't do anything for me.

Where to Buy: Priceline, Target, Big W 

Price: $13.95

Swatches 

It is the perfect little quad for a simple smoky eye, is very versatile, and is a treat to take travelling! 

Have you tried any Covergirl eyeshadow quads? Which one is your favourite? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

E.L.F Studio Warm Bronzer Review + Swatches

Hey all, 

Now, I don't use bronzer that often. I'm quite dark already as is, and in general I just don't need that extra boost. But like all people, I have those days where I look in the mirror and think "Oh my! I look two steps away from death" - today was one of those days. I am currently ill and being the overachiever that I am, I can't stop at home and rest (how will things get done I say?!). But I refuse to step outside looking like a zombie/frankenstein hybrid either. 

The solution? Bronzer! I am currently adoring this elf bronzer and it is the first one I reach for on days when I want an extra little pick me up in my routine. It has four different shades that can either be used individually or blended together for the perfect and natural finish. 

What I Love 

- Great colour combination for my complexion (NC42). 

- Gives a nice, sun kissed finish. 

- Not too much shimmer.

- Not chalky, so it would also suit those with drier skin. 

- Individual colours can be used to contour and highlight. 

- The four individual shades can also be used as eyeshadows. 

- Cute, sleek packaging. 

- Great price!! 

What I Don't 

- Harder to source in Australia. 

Where to Buy: Crush Cosmetics 

Price: $9.99

Swatches

This is really my idea of the perfect bronzer! I am usually quite picky and haven't found one that I love this much for a long time. It is versatile, gives a great finish and just works so well for me. I definitely recommend that you give it a try - I am sure that you will adore it as much as I do!! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Setting Powder Review

Hey all, 

Now I don't know about you, but I have always been speculative about translucent powders. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea! But I just can't see how one powder can blend seamlessly into all skin tones, especially darker ones like mine (NC42). And in general, my fears have been met; with most translucent powders making me look ashy and ghost-like. 

Recently though, a friend convinced me to try Laura Mercier's Translucent Setting Powder - promising that I would not be less than impressed. Although she uses the loose powder, I picked up the pressed one as loose powders are all too messy for me, I'm a definite neat freak!

I must say that she wasn't deluded as I first thought, I really do like this product.

What I Love

- It's pretty much invisible on my skin

- Doesn't leave you looking ashy

- Sets make up and removes oiliness 

- Gorgeous, compact packaging

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- Is a bit pricy

- Harder to find in Australia

- The applicator sponge it comes with is absolutely useless! I would recommend applying this product with a brush, so you can really blend it in. 

Where to Buy: I bought mine on the Adore Beauty online store. 

Price: $65

Swatches

Before blending.

After blending, as you can see - it vanishes! 

Overall, I like it. I don't LOVE it, but I am quite attached to my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish at the moment. I do find myself picking up this product quite a bit in the morning of late. It wears well, and has lasting effects. I wouldn't recommend saving for it, but if you have the spare cash laying around - give it a try! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Lust Have It! - November Box

Hey all, 

I'm defying doctors orders...and blogging! I am just not one to sit still - there are things to do, people and places to see! But thankfully, I am feeling a lot better and I am grateful for all of your kind words and thoughts! I probably won't be blogging as frequently as usual in the coming weeks, but I am back! 

On to the review!

My November lust have it! box arrived about a week ago, and what can I say? Another box, another disappointment. I had such high hopes for lust have it!, but they just don't seem to be living up to my expectations. The products this month are similar to what was in the box last month - and they just aren't exciting me! They are nice products, just nothing that I have been dying to try and I don't think the products are much suited to me. 

I will give them another month to see if the boxes improve. Following the time-tested system of 'Three strikes and you're out". 

What Was in the Box 

RoC Complete Lift Daily Moisturiser - $59 (50ml)

Nude by Nature Lip Liner in Chique - $14.95

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose Fragrance - $79.00 (30ml)

Hawley International Miracle Shine 2 Step Nail Shiner - $6.95

Kerastase Nectar Thermique Leave In - $39.50 (150ml)

On the beauty box front, my BellaBox for this month has been shipped and I am super excited for its arrival. I have also heard great things about I Love This Box, so I might think about looking into subscribing if Lust Have It doesn't work out. 

I am indeed obsessed! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

p.s - My blog has gone dynamic! I'm loving the new pink layout, but I would love to hear what you all think! 

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector - BB Cream Review

Hey all, 

Now, I have been hearing bloggers rave about BB creams on overseas blogs for a while now - and my have I been interested. No matter what age we are, we all want radiant, even toned and, flawless and perfect skin. BB cream is supposed to do exactly that, a bit like a miracle in a jar! It would be like having one product that meets all your skin's needs in a matter of minutes!! 

Interested? Well, those are the claims Garnier are making for their new Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream.  Of course I definitely had to try it out! 

Garnier's Claims 

- Fulfils all of your skin's needs: hydration, comfort, UV protection, corrects signs of fatigue, fixed dullness, corrects imperfections and sun spots. 

- Combines all your beauty steps into one single application. 

- 24hr hydration

- Evens complexion 

- Boosts healthy glow

What I Love

- Super hydrating

- Leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth 

- Slight tint does even skin tone and brighten your complexion

- Makes skin look healthier 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Very light coverage, doesn't cover all imperfections (it does help though!)

- I have combination-oily skin and I did start looking shiny after a couple of hours. 

- Not available for those with darker skin tones 

Price: $14 (If I remember correctly)

Where to Buy: Priceline, Supermarkets and Selected Pharmacies 

Swatch

Ignore the lipstick swatches people! It's my job

I'll come right out and say it, it definitely does not live up to all of Garnier's claims. Saying that though, it is a pretty good product and I must say that I am quite impressed. As far as tinted moisturiser's go, it does an amazing job. It evens out the skin tone, brightens up the entire complexion and does leave you looking more radiant. It also does cover the appearance of small imperfections and blemishes. 

I'm the kind of girl who generally enjoys foundations with more coverage (who doesn't enjoy looking perfect?), but I have been using the Miracle Skin Perfector at times where I do not feel as though I need as much coverage - for example, to the gym, grocery shopping, or taking the babies to the vet. 

I do recommend that you check it out and see how it works for you! If you have perfect skin, it may be all you need & if not, it's a great tinted moisturiser!

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Face of Australia Blush Review

Hey all, 

I am definitely a big fan of FOA products in general. They are cheap, and are usually amazing quality for  the price. So of course I had to try their blushes! They only have three in their range currently, which is a bit disappointing; but the three they have are such pretty, wearable shades, that I think would suit any skin tone! 

Although they aren't as pigmented as some other blushes (for example, MAC & NARS), they definitely add some gorgeous colour to your cheeks! 

These are definitely going to get a lot of use this summer! 

Nutmeg, Primrose & Terra

What I Love 

- Absolutely gorgeous shades, that would suit any skin tone

- Don't leave a powdery look

- Easy to apply and blend 

- just the right amount of shimmer

- Packaging is simple, sleek and stylish

- Cheap! 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Not very pigmented, you do have to apply them with a heavier hand (especially if you have dark skin like me) 

- Tiny shade range with only 3 shades available 

Swatch

Nutmeg, Primrose & Terra

As you can see from the swatch, they do leave a gorgeous hint of shimmery colour to my skin. They do have a decent amount of pigment to them & would swatch a lot brighter on lighter skin tones. 

Price: $9.45

Where to Buy: Priceline, Big W, K-Mart and online at Fashion Addict 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Wishing Upon a Star: November

Hey all, 

Mmm...make up! 

I have had massive beauty related cravings this month, so it was really hard for me to cut my wish list down into an 'appropriate' size. Thankfully it's coming up to Christmas soon! Definitely time for me to start placing wish lists strategically around the house...you know, light reading material and everything! 

Here's a portion of what I'm lusting after this month! 

The Goodies 

Illamasqua Blush in Hussy - $42
Love! That is the emotion I have for my Illamasqua blushes! I'm always looking to add to my collection & have been lusting after Hussy for a while! 

Revlon Lip Butters
I have no idea if we are even getting these in Australia, but I saw one of my favourite beauty gurus Emily Noel from emilynoel83 (youtube) talking about them and I think they are to die for! I really hope we get them soon, if not, I may just have to buy some off eBay! 

Illamasqua Skin Base in 10 & 12 (my perfect shade!) - $65
I have spent so much money on foundation etc recently, that I haven't really been able to justify buying more. But I have gone 2 whole weeks without forking out (amazinnng :P), and this just looks so amazing! 


Wittner Wedges - $149.95
Shoes, shoes, and more shoes! I absolutely adore the colour of these wedges. No, I don't really need them. But they are pretty! And they will look amazing keeping all my other wedges company.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Amused & Blissful - $25
I haven't bought any of these beauties yet and am not entirely sure why! I should get onto it, stat! 

Inglot Freedom System 5 Eyeshadow Palette, full of shadow's of course!
I have no idea exactly what shadows I want, there are so many to choose from! But, I have definitely been wanting to purchase a freedom system palette for a while now, and I think this may just be the month to do it! I do love Inglot products after all... 

Is anyone else finding it extremely hard to believe that it's November already?! Where-o-where has this year gone? Now I am starting to feel as though I am behind on Holiday plans!

Hope you all have a great day! xx

October Favourites!

Hey all,

It's my favourite time of the month, favourites time! I feel like its come around so quickly this month and I can't believe that the year is nearly over! I know this is a couple of days late, sorry guys! I have been so busy with work, uni AND jury duty! 

 I would like to take a moment to thank you all for being so kind & supportive of my blog, it has meant so much to me and has given me the inspiration and strength to continue. Lots of love, I mean lots! 

Anyway, favourites time! (before I start getting all teary!) 

What I Have Been in Love With

MAC Lady Danger
Definitely my go to red! It's a gorgeous blend between red and orange that I think suits every skin tone! Very glam! 


NYX Round Lipstick in B52
Pretty mauve-pink, my favourite casual lipstick this month! 


Australis Eyeshadow Primer (review coming!)
My current favourite eyeshadow primer! I use it everyday, and it really does keep shadow's vibrant and long lasting! 


e.l.f Shimmering Facial Whip in Golden Peach
My go-to highlight this month! Gorgeous summer shade, and it has the perfect amount of shimmer to really brighten up your face! 


NYX Single Eyeshadow in Gunmetal 
My current fave grey for smokey eye looks! Have used this shadow so often for my night time looks this month! Highly pigmented, long lasting, and such a pretty, pretty colour! 


MAC Woodwinked
Everyone loved Woodwinked! I have been picking it up so frequently this month for my daytime looks! 


NYX Mauve Blush
I do love my NYX blushes, and this shade is perfect for me. It's sublte, and gives just the right amount of colour! 


MAC Pinch Me
One of my favourite blushes of all time! Gorgeous pink, and perfect for darker skin tones (like myself!)

These are by far my most reached for items this month, and at time I even felt like I was getting into a bit of a make up rut! I also just noticed there is a lot of NYX and MAC in there - didn't mean that to happen at all! It is probably just because I have been purchasing quite a bit from both brands of recent.  Hope you enjoyed this post & I would love to see all your favourites, just post a comment with the link below!


Hope you all have a great day & thank you all so much! xx

Breast Cancer Awareness Inspired Nails + Tutorial

Hey all, 

With national pink ribbon day being tomorrow, I thought I would do something special with my nails to show my support. Breast cancer awareness is something that I hold especially close to my heart, as many women in my family - including my gorgeous mother, have been affected by breast cancer in the past. 

As I am no where near talented enough to paint a pink ribbon on my nails, I thought that I would just go with some plain ol' pink instead! I painted them a bright, candy pink with hot pink glittery tips!

Overall, I am quite happy with the way they turned out! 

What I Used

- OPI Base & Top Coat 

- French Manicure Tip Guides 

- B Collection by Bloom in Venezuela 

- LA Splash in Sparkling Rose 

How I Did It

- Painted my nails with my OPI base coat and let dry.

- Painted the entire nail with two coats of B Collection by Bloom in Venezuela, and let dry completely.

- Applied french manicure tip guides to all my nails.

- Painted two coats of LA Splash in Sparkling Rose on the tips.

- Removed french manicure tip guides before the polish dried.

- When nails were completely dry, applied top coat. 

I hope that you all enjoyed this look, and found my steps somewhat helpful! If you didn't want to do this look in pink, any other colours would work as well! 

Support those affected by breast cancer: wear pink, buy a ribbon or donate (if possible). You can get more information about this important cause at http://www.pinkribbonday.com.au/. 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation Review

Hey all, 

I never expect great things from drugstore foundations, call me a snob, but I just have never seen how perfection could be found in a $14 bottle. I am sure at least some of you see where I'm coming from, perfection needs fancy ingredients and fancier price tags - doesn't it? 

Wrong. 

I have found a drugstore foundation that is nothing short of amazing, and has nearly tempted me away from my HG Lancome Teint Miracle. The difference between the two? One was $15, the other $68 - now that is a difference that makes one blink! I'm talking about Neutrogena Healthy Skin foundation, and it is drugstore perfection indeed! 

What I Love

- Flawless med-full buildable coverage

- Goes on smoothly and is easy to blend 

- SPF 20 for sun protection goodness

- Matches my skin tone perfectly 

- Jam packed full of skin loving antioxidants 

- Cheap! 

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- Super hard to find in Australia (I sourced mine from eBay, I shall put the link below) 

- I have comb-oily skin & it definitely does need to be set with powder

I have gotten so many compliments when wearing this foundation! It looks extremely natural, gives you a radiant glow, and provides great coverage minus the cakey-ness. Best of all, it is good to my skin! And the higher than normal SPF level should help keep premature ageing at bay!

For reference I am a NC40/42 and wear the shade Honey Beige 110. 

Price: $14.95 

Where to Buy: Can be hard to find in Australia! I sourced mine from eBay, from Donna's Discount Delights 

MAC Lady Danger - Review

Hey all,

This is definitely one of my favourite MAC lippie shades, and also my go to red lipstick for this summer! I'm a massive fan of red lipstick and have an extensive collection from various brands, but in the past few weeks every time I want a red lip, this is the one I reach for. I find that it brightens up any of my spring/summer looks!

It's a gorgeous, playful and wearable orange red, that I feel compliments any complexion. It's playful without being too overpowering. As most MAC lippies, the quality is great! It goes on smoothly, looks smooth and bright, doesn't smudge and lasts till the cows come home!

This summer is all about colour, so give it a try! Remember: a little danger is good for you!

Where to Buy: Myer and David Jones 

Price: $36.00

First pictures of myself I've put up! Eeek! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

NYX Caribbean Collection - I Dream of Aruba Review

Hey all, 

This is a review that I cannot believe I haven't done already! If someone had asked me before I started blogging what the first product I would look at would be, this would've definitely been up the top of my list! I love bronze eye looks, and use this palette so frequently I always worry that I will get stuck in a rut! You can really create so many looks with this palette, from more simple everyday looks, to more glammed up looks. 

Those who know me are aware of how much I love NYX products, especially the eyeshadows. They are such great quality! Long lasting, highly pigmented and they have some amazingly gorgeous shades (and quite a few unique shades as well). They are also so cheap and really hold their own in comparison to the high end brands. Just getting the word out there - if you haven't tried any of their shadow's, you really should! (I will put up a post on my fave NYX shades). 

NYX Caribbean Collection - I Dream of Aruba 

What I Love

- The colours - most of NYX shades are amazing colours individually, and NYX also has this way of putting together palettes that just go so well together

- Pigmentation - rivals MACs

- Easy to work with, blend etc 

- Long lasting 

- Cruelty Free 

- Hypoallergenic 

- Cheap! 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- NYX products are extremely hard to find in Australia, I get most of mine online (I will list some places below) 

Price: $13.95 AUD (for 5 eyeshadows) 

Where to Buy

- I buy most of my NYX products from Crush Cosmetics, they are Australian and based in Australia & you can get express shipping as well. 

- You can also buy NYX from Groove Accessories, although the selection is limited 

- eBay (direct from USA) if you don't mind paying for shipping

- And from the NYX website

It is a wonderful, versatile palette that I have got a lot of use out of. I really do recommend trying it! If bronze shades aren't really your thing, NYX has a extensive range of colours - so have a look! I cannot stress how much I recommend NYX eyeshadow's! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

* Just a hint: use a primer! They swatch well without, but are to die for when you use one! 

Almay Get Up & Grow Mascara Review

Hey all,

I am mascara crazy, a mascara fiend possibly! Who doesn't want gorgeous, long, thick and perfect lashes to frame their eyes? Of course we all do! Saying that, I am always on the hunt for the perfect mascara (which I am yet to find) and generally buy new mascara products as soon as they come out. 

I picked up the Almay Get Up & Grow mascara in blackest black pretty soon after it came out in Australia, and have been using it on pretty much a daily basis since then.

I am loving it! I really do think it lives up to most of Almay's claims, and have found that it makes my eyelashes look not just longer and thicker, but also healthier!

What Almay Claims
- Visibly longer, stronger lashes
- Anti-breakage pro-vitamin formula to defend lashes against damage 
- Unique brush shape contours to reach every lash
- Clump free 
- It is also hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested & suitable for contact lens wearers 


What I Love
- Lashes do look stronger, longer and healthier
- I have found that I have had less lash fall out recently 
- Doesn't run or smudge 
- Doesn't clump 
- It also held up on a rainy day pretty damn well for a non-waterproof mascara! 

The brush is amazing! Lately I have been a fan of rubber eyeshadow brushes out there, but this one is just your regular old fashioned style of brush that does an amazing job! The brush tapers in the middle, which helps it reach all the lashes and give them a great lift! Just make sure that you wipe the excess mascara off the brush, as the end of the brush can get a little clumpy. 

I will definitely be purchasing this mascara again when I run out, it exceeded all my expectations!!

Price: Around $19.95 (I've misplaced my receipt) 

Where to Buy: Priceline

Hope you all have a great day! xx

October Beauty Box!

Hey all,

My october beauty box (from beauty box australia) arrived today, and I must say I was pretty excited. It's the first beauty box I have ever received, and I absolutely love the idea of having some gorgeous samples delivered to my door each month. 

But, to be completely honest, I was quite disappointed. I feel like I just got my hopes up, and I know that many others have given mixed reviews. I was expecting more makeup, and although the products are nice, they aren't anything that excited me completely. Oh well, I guess the items will vary each month, and I am willing to wait it out for a little longer to see whether or not to continue my subscription! 

What's in the Box
- Biotherm Aquasource Moisturiser
- John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo & Conditioner 
- Shiseido Sheer Matifying Compact Foundation 
- Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days 
Calvin Klein Fragrance - One Shock for Him & Her 

They also have a handy lil card on the top that tells you what is in the box, and how much the full size is! The packaging is also super adorable!

The products are nice, and I will end up trying them all. I am particularly happy about the Biotherm moisturiser. I think I was just wanting and eye, lip or nail product in there. Hopefully next month's will be more suited to me, and to the rest of you out there who just weren't that impressed!

Hope you all have a great day! xx 

I Bought Some Goodies! Haul - 10/10/11

Hey all, 

It was such a gorgeous afternoon in Brisbane today I just had to venture outside! Only for a little while though...the rest of my day was spent on my verandah with my fur babies and a pile of magazines. 

And of course the good weather put me in a good mood, which means shopping! Here is what I picked up. 

Sorry about the picture quality again, another night snap!

Model's Prefer Warm Spice Palette & Lipstick (Priceline)

NYX Blush in Mocha & Terracotta (Groove Accessories)

Benefit Erase Paste - Deep (Myer)

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick - Peach (Priceline)

Model's Prefer Eyeshadow Quad in Famous (Priceline)

NYX Tenpiece Eyeshadow Palette in Haute Model (Groove Accessories) 

Vaseline Aloe Fresh SPF 15 Moisturiser (Priceline) 

Reviews and opinions to come! Hope you all have/have had a great day! xx

Beauty Box Australia - I Can't Believe It!

Hey all, 

I know I just did a quick post, but here is another one - ta-dah!

Short story: I nearly had a heart attack! I cannot believe that I just did a blog post about new beauty box subscription services coming to Australia and had no idea that Beauty Box was already in Australia!! I was informed of this astonishing (but exciting) fact while searching through twitter. 

It only took me about 10 seconds to sign up! A review will definitely be on its way once my box arrives, they ship out on the 10th of each month! 

The Lowdown 

- $14.95/month 

- Subscription service

- Cancel anytime 

- 4-5 samples per month 

Brands Released So Far: Bio-oil, Biotherm, Bobbi Brown, Calvin Klein Fragrances, Clinique, Essie, Garnier, John Frieda, Jurlique, Marc Jacobs Fragrances, Playboy Fragrances, Sally Hansen, Shiseido, shu uemura, Thalgo & YSL. 

Don't those brands just excite you? Definitely the best brands included in beauty boxes that I have seen available in Australia so far! I am definitely excited about Bobbi Brown, Essie & shu uemura! 

What Was in the Beauty Box in September (Last Month)

-  YSL Beauty Sleep

- Oh, Lola! Marc Jacobs

- Sally Hansen Everyday Strength Medium Nail File 

- Playboy Play it Spicy Body Spray 

- Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula 

Check it out all! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Btw: I will never, ever, regret getting a twitter....ever!