May Empties and the Beginning of Project 50 Pan

Hey all, 

I know that this post is running a little late, so sorry! I have been swamped with university assignments, but thankfully they are all done now and I can finally breathe easy again. 

I got through a total of 20 products last month, which is great for me as it is also the month that I have decided to start Project 50 Pan. For those of you who don't know, Project 50 Pan was created by Anissa of Beautifully Glossy and is a project where you halt purchasing until 50 products are used up. 

Why am I doing this to myself again? 

I am trying to cut down on purchasing to both save money and to give me a chance to explore my collection. 

Here are my May empties and the beginning of 50 finished products! 

Face Products 

1. Simplicite Plant Gel Cleanser for Dry/Mature Skin 

An absolute winter favourite for me! Cleanses without drying and keeps skin well moisturised. Smells divine as well. I use it every night, or every second night depending. 

Price: $37.90

Repurchase: Already have. 

2. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

These babies have been in my empties before, and I still love them as much as ever! Non-irritating and perfect for dryer, winter months. 

Price: $6.99

Repurchase: Already have. 

3. Clarisonic Sensitive Skin Brush Head 

Adore my Clarisonic and replace the brush head every 3 months without fail. I have found that the sensitive head works best for my skin. 

Price: $34.95

Repurchase: Have a new one on now, and will repurchase again when the time comes. 

4. MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Medium Dark

I adore this, it takes away shine without adding too much colour. Doesn't leave a powdery effect. Saying that, I do like my Mineralize Skinfinish more. 

Price: $36.00

Repurchase: Not this time, but probably in the future. 

5. Face of Australia 3 in 1 Primer

My favourite drugstore primer, smoothes out skin and creates the perfect base. Doesn't cause me to break out either. Also has SPF15+, which is great! 

Price: 12.95

Repurchase: Always have one in my collection, so yes. 

6. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep 

Absolutely adore. Holy grail product. Can't live without it. Definitely recommend that you try this baby! 

Price: $47.00

Repurchase: Always have two in stock, just in case 

7. Biosource Cleanser 

One of the best cleansers for my skin that I have tried. Balances oil without drying, and leaves skin smooth. Use it every morning, or twice a day depending. 

Price: $29.00

Repurchase: Another one that I always have two in stock of! 

Hair and Body 

8. V05 Hot Oil Moisture Soak Elixir 

A wonderful once-a-week hot oil hair treatment. Keeps my hair hydrated and full of shine. 

Price: $6.99 with 5 in a pack. 

Repurchase: Yes. 

9. L'Oreal Elvive Total Repair Conditioner

I go through conditioner so much quicker than shampoo, and this is one of my favourites. Perfect for my hair and does everything I would ask of it. 

Price: $6.99

Repurchase: There are always about 4 in my cupboard.

10. Lush Sugar Scrub 

Love! A great natural exfoliator and it smells pretty yummy too. 

Price: $6.50

Repurchase: I like having 3 of these in the cupboard, I don't know why 3 is the magic number - but it works!

11. Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream

I suffer from horribly dry hands, especially in winter. This being so, I have a bit of a collection of hand creams. I really like this one though! It is specially formulated to last through hand washing, so is great for when I am busy. 

Price: $9.99

Repurchase: Yes

12. OP Therapy Summer Glow Sea Salt Scrub

This baby size product was in a Bella Box that I received and I absolutely love it. A great scrub, with a great smell. 

Price: Full size is $19

Repurchase: Already have. 

13. Wet Ones Sensitive Wipes 

Purse pack, great for everything

Price: $1.99

Repurchase: Yes. 

14. Lush Soft Coeur Massage Bar

Amazing smell, great for the skin. Chocolately goodness! 

Price: $10.50

Repurchase: Picked up a different massage bar to try. 

Make Up & Nails 

15 & 16. Blistex SPF 20 Lip Conditioner x 2

Great! Especially for winter. Very conditioning. Has high sun protection levels as well. 

Price: $5.49

Repurchase: Always have a few laying around. 

17. Sally Hansen Diamond Strength

A great nail treatment, strengthens and prevents peeling. I do like my Nail Tek Foundation more though. 

Price: $16.95

Repurchase: Not this time. 

18. Avon Super Shock Mascara 

One of my absolute favourite mascaras of all time! Here is a review I wrote.

Price: $9.50 from the US (Bought on eBay)

Repurchase: Always. 

19. Rimmel Extra Wow Lash Mascara

A great all round mascara, nothing too special though. 

Price: $12.95

Repurchase: I don't think that they sell this one anymore. 

20. Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara

This one, I love. The wand is amazing for getting great uplift to the lashes. 

Price: $12.95

Repurchase: In the future. 

Phew! I always feel great after writing an empties post. It is good to see that I actually get through a few products each month, it definitely feels very rewarding. 

Project 50 Pan Tally - 20 

20 down, only 30 to go! Wish me luck! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

*Also, follow me on Instagram (sharleenabramley) to keep up to date with the #30daysoflippy challenge! 

Hair Envy: Up Do's

Hey all,

I've been loving all the gorgeous up-do's that I have been seeing litter the runway and streets recently, I just can't get enough! Gorgeous messy boho buns, braids and structured looks - I think that they are all wonderful! 

Here are some of my favourites that I have found recently. 

Sienna is wearing her messy boho bun into the ground! 

I have an event coming up soon, and I love all of the above styles so much - so, I need your help! 

Which one is your favourite? What is your favourite type of up-do?

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Looking After Myself: Vitamins and Supplements

Hey all, 

If you're anything like me, you lead a busy lifestyle and just can't guarantee that you will always get the nutrients you need from your diet. I do not believe that supplements should be taken in place of a healthy diet, and what we eat is very important; but I do think that they can be useful to ensure that you are getting enough of what you need. 

Here is what I take to keep me running at my best. 

*It is important to remember that this supplement program has been tailored for my needs in consultation with professionals. It may not be right for you, and it always important to consult your GP a nutritionist or a naturopath before starting any supplement or medication. 

Swisse Liver Detox 

"Contains premium quality ingredients traditionally used to help support the liver and aid detoxification. The liver is the largest internal organ of the human body and is responsible for eliminating toxins, aiding digestion and helping regulate metabolism."

Blackmores Evening Primrose 

"Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil is a rich natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Low levels of GLA have been found in adults and children with atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis. Also aids with PMS symptoms."

Blackmores CoQ10 75mg

"Blackmores CoQ10 75mg is a natural source of coenzyme Q10 and a powerful antioxidant. It provides support for cellular energy production and helps maintain normal healthy functioning of the heart." 

Blackmores Echinacea Plus Garlix 

"Blackmores Echinacea Plus Garlix® is a combination of echinacea and garlic, both traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of mild upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu."

Swisse Hair Skin Nails

"Combination of vitamins and minerals shown to support hair, skin and nail health. It contains ingredients essential for the formation of collagen and maintenance of healthy skin. It is recommended for people who may experience frail, splitting or thin nails."

                                                               Swisse Women's Ultivite 

"Swisse Women’s Ultivite Formula 1 is a daily multivitamin developed to support the good health of modern-day women."

Berocca Performance "Clinically proven, Berocca Performance keeps you on your game and combats physical tiredness. Its unique combination of B vitamins, vitamin C and essential minerals, like calcium,
magnesium and zinc, works in synergy to
improve your brain and nerve perfor-
mance throughout the day."

What do you think about vitamins and supplements? Are there any that you swear by?

Hope you all have a great night! xx

*Product descriptions were taken from official websites, and are not my own. 

Lush Big Shampoo

Hey all,

Until I purchased this shampoo, I hadn't tried any of Lush's hair products - but I love their range as whole so when I saw this beauty I just had to buy it. I was drawn to this shampoo for it's ingredients as well as it's claimed capabilities; and I have to admit that the wonderful smell and sweet sales assistant also did help me reach for my wallet!

Just scoop the product out with your hands, it feels wonderful! 

What Lush Says
A new life affirming shampoo for more shine than you thought possible. Dull hair turns into traffic stopping shiny, silky hair, featuring raw sea salt, seaweed and lime juice. 

Lush hasn't manipulated the truth on this one at all, it really does do all that it claims and it is fast becoming one of my favourite shampoo's!

What I Love 

- It has 50% sea salt which does wonders for volume. 
- Really cleanses your scalp (I have quite an oily scalp).
- Makes hair softer and smoother. 
- Creates shine and bounce.
- Lathers up like crazy!
- The smell is divine! 
- Made from more natural ingredients. 
- Not tested on animals. 

What I Don't
- Absolutely nothing - I love it a lot!


Price: $25.95 for 330g

One thing I have to add is that I wouldn't recommend using this shampoo everyday. Due to the sea salt it could become over cleansing if used too regularly. I use it about every third wash.

I can definitely say that I am going to repurchase this product when I finish it, and it has definitely spiked my interest in other Lush hair products - I think I may have to try some more!

What are your favourites?

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Style Envy: Rachel Bilson

Hey all,

Rachel Bilson. 

I have always been a fan of this woman - I loved her in The O.C, I loved her appearances in How I Met Your Mother and now I love her in Hart of Dixie. She's fast talking, quirky, adorable and just plain damn loveable. Also, I must say that I have always had a soft spot for her because she's the same height as me; us short people have to stick together! 

Anyway, on top of the fact that I have fallen in love with her as a character and as an actress, I can't help but find myself lusting after her wardrobe and glaring at her hair with envy! This girl know's how to dress, both on set and off! 

And her hair? I won't even start to go there, or I may cry. 

Can someone please explain to me how her hair even does that?! 

Oh that blazer!  

She always looks so natural, yet so darned beautiful! She's definitely one of those stars I've looked up to for years, and I'm not even much of a 'celebrity' person! 

Now, Hart of Dixie fans, wouldn't they make the cutest couple?! 

Hope you all have a great night! 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! 

Hair Treats to Die For! V05 Hot Oil & Schwarzkopf Hair Repair

Hey all,

I don't know about the rest of you, but my hair was left looking worse for wear, and in need of a decent pick-me-up after winter - what we call winter in Brisbane anyway. And with my hair being long, it takes a little more effort to keep it looking shiny and lustrous! I am definitely not willing to put down my styling tools, so I went on the hunt for products that would make my hair amazing, even when it touches heat regularly!

Two products I am absolutely loving, and use over and over again are: VO5 Hot Oil & Schwarzkopf Deep Nutrition Hair Repair Treatment. They are keeping my hair from being a giant humidity caused frizz ball this summer!

V05 Hot Oil 
A weekly hot oil treatment that should be used before shampooing. 
Their Claims 
- Reconstructs damaged hair in 1 min 
- Doubles the strength of hair to reduce breakage 
- Seeks out & bunds to weak sites of every strand
Removes 75% more chlorine than shampoo alone 
What I Say 
- It's amazing! I mean it! Go out and buy it right this second! 
- Has made my hair stronger 
- Makes my hair softer, shinier and easier to manage


Price: $6.99 for a pack of 5 (so it will last you 5 weeks!) 
Where to Buy: Coles, Woolworths, Priceline & Selected Pharmacies 


Schwarzkopf Deep Nutrition Hair Repair 
Massage gently into hair after towel drying. I use it every single time I wash my hair. 
Their Claims 
- Repairs instantly & cares intensively 
- Cashmere-supple hair and shine, without overburdening 
What I Say 
- Makes my hair softer & shiner
- Improves manageability 
- Doesn't have an overpowering smell (I have found that many other Schwarzkopf products do, and it generally makes me steer clear!) 


Price: $7.99 
Where to Buy: Priceline, Coles, Woolworths & Selected Pharmacies 


I have honestly seen an improvement in my hair since I started using these products diligently! Overall I think these are some amazing hair goodies for a lower price! They do a brilliant job at rescuing damaged and dry hair, and I definitely recommend that you try them!


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 

This or That Makeup Tag

Hey all, 

My second tag! Aren't tag's fun?! Hooray for tag's!(Yes, I am in a bit of a strange mood) 

Saw this tag on a blog I follow (Beauty and Bows for all who are interested - it's a great blog, check it out!), and decided it would be a super fun thing to do! I am also looking for any reason to not write my assignment...

Makeup:

Blush or Bronzer?  I have to say blush, just because my skin is quite dark anyway and I probably don't NEED bronzer. 

Lipgloss or Lipstick?  Lipstick, I don't like the stickiness of lipgloss so much & I have bought some gorgeous new lipstick shades recently! 

Eyeliner or Mascara?  Eyeliner, I can get away with not wearing mascara (although I don't enjoy it). 

Foundation or Concealer?  Foundation. I feel absolutely naked without it! And I could probably get away without a concealer, although I would look awfully tired! 

Neutral or Coloured Eyeshadow?  Neutral; of course I love playing with colours, but neutral eyeshadow is timeless, and can go with everything. 

Pressed or Loose Eyeshadow?  Definitely pressed! My encounters with loose eyeshadows usually end up with my entire face covered in a light dusting of the stuff! Messssssy! 

Brushes or Sponges?  Brushes, I don't really work with sponges often. I like the control a brush gives you, and the feel of it as well. 

Nails:

Long or Short?  Long, my nails are always long and I absolutely love them. It would make me sad to see them go! 

Acrylic or Natural?  Definitely natural! I prefer the way it looks, feels, and no matter what anyone tells me believe that it is better for your nails! 

Brights or Darks?  Darks, I think that it suits my skin tone more & it's easier to match it. But I have been wearing a lot of brights lately. 

Flower or no Flower?  None, something about nail decorations just annoys me. 

Body:

Perfume or Body Splash?  Perfume. 

Lotion or Body Butter?  Lotion, I like how light it feels on my skin. Although I do use a lot of body butters in the winter. 

Body Wash or Soap?  Body wash, this is an easy one for me - soap free body wash. I am allergic to soap, I also never liked the way that soap feels & find it quite drying. 

Fashion:

Jeans or Sweat Pants?  Out in public? Definitely jeans! I like to pretend that I don't have a massive stash of sweat pants in my drawer ;) 

Long Sleeve or Short?  Short, I live in Australia, enough said! 

Dresses or Skirts?  Dresses, I am a big dress wearer.  

Stripes or Plaid?  Stripes! I am in a very nautical mood lately. 

Flip Flops or Sandals?  Sandals, I'm a girly girl & frankly I don't find flip flops (thongs in Australia people) pretty enough. 

Scarves or Hats?  Scarves, I love hats but I just don't wear them enough! 

Studs or Dangly Earrings? Dangly earrings :) 

Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots?  Riding boots, just got some for the past winter (what Brisbane calls Winter anyway), and I LOVE them! 

Jacket or Hoodie?  Jacket, I always feel like I am suffocating in hoodies. 

Hair:

Curly or Straight?  I'm going to be a rebel and say wavy! 

Bun or Ponytail?  Bun, just gets it all off my face. I also hate the way ponytails flick around, well mine does anyway! 

Bobby Pins or Butterfly Clips? Bobby pins, my cat steals them all though. 

Hair Spray or Gel?  Hair spray, I don't think I have ever used hair gel and don't like the way it looks at all. 

Long or Short?  Long, my hair is always long. 

Light or Dark?  Dark.  

Side-swept Bangs or Full Bangs?  Side-swept, although I haven't had a fringe for a while now. 

Up or Down?  Down most of the time, but up when I need to think. I cannot think for any length of time with my hair down! 

Random:

Rain or Shine?  Sunshine!  And lollipops...

Summer or Winter?  Summer, I live in Australia! I really do not enjoy the cold, at all! 

Fall or Spring?  Spring.

Chocolate or Vanilla?  Chocolate, nomnomnomnom. 

I really did enjoy doing this blog, and hope you enjoyed reading it, and perhaps learnt a thing or two about me! I would love to see all your responses, so I tag you all! 

Now, back to my horrid assignment I go... :'( 

Hope you all have a great night & had a much better Friday night than I did! xx