March Favourites

Hey all, 

It's favourites time again! Yippie-yay-yay! (I'm odd - don't worry, I know!). 

I haven't done a favourites post for a little while now, mainly because my favourites have stayed the same over the past few months. But now I have some new products that I am loving, so I thought I would share! 

The Favourites 

Models Prefer Mattifying Primer - My new favourite primer, it goes on smoothly, controls shine and reduces the size of pores. 

$12.95

Evo Mane Prescription Hair Treatment - A protein treatment that adds strength and shine to hair. 

$25.95

Face of Australia Lip Quench in Ruby Delight - My current go-to red! 

$9.45 

Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Medium 4 - An old favourite, it really is a wonderful concealer! 

I'm sorry, I can't remember the price of this one! 

Essence Gel Eyeliner in 01 Midnight in Paris - Although I still adore my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliners, this one is my current favourite. Cheap and ever so amazing! 

$5.95

Biotherm Aquasource Skin Perfection Moisturiser - Absolutely adore! It works so well with my skin. $64.00

Clarisonic Mia - My skin has been a much better version of itself since I started using my Clarisonic! Review will be coming soon. 

$150.00

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil - Keeps my nails hydrated; prevents chipping and peeling. It also smells divine! 

$18.95

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think?

What are your favourites this month? Link your posts down below - I would love to read them! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

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

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

Sleek Blush in Life's A Peach

Hey all,

Who doesn't love a good blush? Personally, I emerge from bed in the mornings looking less than radiant and definitely need the help of a magic product or two to manage something that even resembles a 'glow'. This product is something that has been achieving that for me, so I thought I would share! 

Until a while ago, I had not tried any Sleek blushes, although I had always heard great things about them - but I am glad that I finally bit the bullet and bought a few! This blush has been a favourite of mine since I purchased it a couple of month's ago & I still find that it is the first blush I will reach for out of my collection - generally a good sign! 

Colour: Gorgeous light peach shade that would compliment any skin tone. Gives the complexion a natural, healthy looking glow & just the right amount of colour. 

What I Love 

- Absolutely gorgeous colour that suits my skin tone perfectly (NC42).

- Easy to work with - blends well, doesn't streak. 

- Highly pigmented - great colour payoff! 

- Long lasting & when it does start to fade, it does so evenly. 

- Packaging is sleek, attractive & makes the product easy to store. 

- Cheap! 

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- Harder to find in Australia.

- I found the packaging difficult to open (although I am pretty weak!).

Price: $12.95

Where to Buy: Crush Cosmetics

Swatch

Sorry the quality is a little off on this picture, I just couldn't get a good one!

All in all, this has definitely become my holy grail of blushes & I have already purchased two backup's...just in case. 

If you're on the hunt for an amazing peach toned blush that will give you a radiant and natural look, I definitely recommend that you give this one a try! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Lush - Mint Julips Lip Scrub

Hey all,

If you're anything like me, dry and cracked lips may just be the bane of your existence. 

If your lips are dry and chapped, lipstick won't go on smoothly, won't last as long and will settle into the cracks, making your lips seems as though they've come straight out of the rocky horror picture show. 

Although this is usually a winter problem, I battle dry lips year round (lucky me), and have been looking for a 'cure' for as long as I can remember. 

I spotted this Lush lip scrub at the checkout (yes, I am a marketers dream) at my last visit, and thought - why not? 

Aren't I glad that I gave it a try.

What I Love 

- Leaves lips smooth and soft. 

- All natural ingredients 

- Smells divine (the Mint Julips smells like peppermint and chocolate)

- Cheap

- Edible! 

- Portable - great to keep in your bag for on the go! 

How to Use

- Gently rub a little of the sugar lib scrub into your lips and then either lick off or wipe clean with a tissue. 

- I usually follow with my favourite lip balm. 

There is no 'What I Am Not So Crazy About' section in this review, because there is honestly nothing that I don't like about this product! I only wish that I had found it sooner. 

Price: $9.95

Where to Buy: Lush 

It is definitely one of my new holy grail products, and I recommend that you pick it up and give it a try. It's just another reason to love Lush even more.

Hope you all have a great day! xx

MAC Eyeshadow: Poison Pen

Hey all, 

I absolutely adore MAC eyeshadow's! They have some gorgeous colours, are highly pigmented and also tend to be easy to work with. Needless to say, I have built myself a bit of a collection over the years! But, I still have some stand out favourites, shadow's that I tend to keep going back to. 

This is most definitely one of them! 

Poison Pen 

Shade

Lavender grey purple 

Matte2

What I Love

- Absolutely gorgeous purple! Looks especially great with brown eyes. 

- It is a matte shade, with absolutely no shimmer.

- Highly pigmented - great colour payoff even with one swipe! 

- Blends like a dream. 

- Long lasting.

- Absence of any black undertones. 

- Can be used on the eyelids, in the crease, or as a liner. 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Sadly, it has been discontinued! I am sure that you could find it somewhere and I will keep my eyes out for dupes! 

- A little bit pricey for those of us that are in Australia. 

Price: $33.00 AUD

Where to Buy: Myer, David Jones & From Various Online Locations.

Swatch

If you can't find it try Urban Decay's Cult 

This has been one of my favourite purple shadow's for quite a while, and I always find myself reaching for it whenever I create a purple look. It is great for the daytime, or for night and makes an amazing smokey eye! Although it is discontinued (which is such a pity!), I definitely recommend that you have a look online or on swaps for it! It is worth the search effort!

It is my aim to eventually work my way through sharing and reviewing all my favourite and most highly recommended shades through the next few months. I have always enjoyed playing a  a part (even it if is a tiny one) in the building of other's collections, so maybe I can tempt you a little! 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Avon Super Shock Mascara Review

Hey all, 

The hunt for the perfect mascara continues...or does it?! 

We all know just how difficult it is to get everything that we want from a mascara; maybe we are asking for too much? And although I will forever continue to hunt for that perfect mascara, the one that makes false lashes obsolete (a girl can wish!), Avon Super Shock mascara is giving me everything that I want right now - and I am loving it! 

I have never been much of a fan of Avon products, and only tried this out because a friend left one at my house and I thought "Why the hell not?!". I am so very glad I did!

I have used it every day since, and am sure I will continue to do so for a very long time. 

Type of brush: Flexible rubber bristles. 

What I Love

- Improves length and thickness a great deal

- Separates lashes like no other mascara I've used before

- Holds the curl 

- Doesn't smudge or melt off (even in Brisbane heat!)

- Such a bargain! 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Hard to find, I ended up purchasing it on eBay

- End of the brush can get a bit goopy - so you have to remember to wipe it off. 

Where to Buy: From Avon Representatives or alternatively I bought mine on eBay 

Price: I can't remember how much it was exactly, but it was under $10 (on eBay). 

This has become one of my ALL time faves, and I definitely recommend that you give it a try! I doubt that you will be disappointed!! 

p.s - The nail polish I am wearing is China Glaze Atlantis 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

November Favourites!

Hey all, 

It's favourites time again! Has everyone had a good month?

 Honestly, I have been in love with so many products this month; it was super dooper hard for me to restrict my list! What can I say, I have a lot of love to go around!

What I Have Been In Love With

Avon Super Shock Mascara 

This is such an amazing find! The wand is brilliant, it separates and extends lashes like nothing else! 

Eco Tools Retractable Kabuki

Great for on the go touch ups! Fits in your bag perfectly! 

Ulta 3 Nail Colour in Watermelon

A cheapie, but isn't it the most splendid summer colour!? 

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Hairspray

I have been in love with this for a while! Great for creating the perfect 'I don't care' look. 

Purr by Katy Perry

I am cat crazy! As hard as it is to admit, I did buy this fragrance for the adorable cat packaging...but it turns out that I adore the smell! 

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 14 

Absolutely stunning nude lipstick that doesn't wash me out, or make my lips look dead! Perfect for everyday, or matched with a smokey eye. 

I highly recommend trying out all the products that made it onto my faves list this month. Christmas is coming up, some of these would make great stocking stuffers!

Talking about Christmas, I have some exciting festive posts coming up - so keep your eyes open! 

What is everyone loving this month? 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

In my life - The cat had a bit of a health scare today & now has to be kept inside for 2 weeks; she's already torturing me on day one! The man is also in Melbourne - he went down to see Eminem, so I have a few days to myself. It's funny how easy they are to miss! 

Australis Eyeshadow Primer Review

Hey all, 

Until recently I hadn't tried much of the Australis range, I have always found myself staying away from cheaper brands (I have a phobia of bad quality, but who doesn't?!). But over the past couple of month's, I have been trying more and more Australis products...and I must say that I am beyond impressed! Genuinely good products that don't break the bank? I am definitely in! 

Their eyeshadow primer is definitely one of my favourites and it has ever overtaken Primer Potion and Shadow Insurance on my list! It is the first primer that I reach for when I am doing my make up and I definitely recommend that you give it a try! 

What I Love

- Glides on effortlessly and doesn't leave any residue

- Easy to apply with wand

- Smoothes

- Prevents shadow from creasing

- Long lasting effects (I have found that my shadow really does last all day!)

- Cheap *bargain dance* 

What I Am Not So Crazy About

- It always seems to be sold out at my local Priceline (I know that this is because it is a great product, but a girl does get frustrated when she is in need of primer!)

- I run out of this product quite quickly

- Large amount of unnecessary packaging 

Where to Buy: Priceline, Big W, Kmart and Target

Price: $12.95

I am in love with this product, and I definitely recommend that you give it a try! At 12.95, what do you have to lose? 

Hope you all have a great day! xx

p. s - It is GREAT to be back!!! 

The cat was 'helping' mummy. Ahh... it's love!! 

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

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! 

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

Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation Review

Hey all, 

It's an awful gloomy day here in the usually sunny Brisbane, so I thought that I would do some reviewing! I am on the hunt for absolutely perfect skin (aren't we all?) and have been trying a lot of foundations lately. I seem to be reaching for my Lancome Teint Miracle bottle almost all the time, and I am absolutely loving it. 

It is a relatively new foundation by Lancome, and was launched after 10 years of in-depth research. Lancome calls it a 'natural light creator - bare skin perfection', and I must say that they are not lying; this foundation is short of amazing! It contains 40% water, and particles not found in any other foundations on the market. Scientifically, it is pretty damn cool, but enough about that. 

What I Love 

- It is good for your skin: It is water based, oil free, non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. It also has rose extract which soothes the skin! 

- SPF 15

- It blends seamlessly into the skin.

- Medium-full coverage. 

- Looks natural; it has a gorgeous finish - not too shiny, but not matte. 

- Makes the skin look radiant. All I can say is that the patented ingredients Lancome is talking about really work! 

- A little also goes a long way, which means it will last longer than some other foundations as well.

- It has a subtle floral fragrance and smells absolutely divine. 

- The packaging is elegant and classy, and looks wonderful sitting on top of the dresser. 

I'm leaving out the cons section, as there is honestly nothing I do not love about this foundation! 

Prices

Australia: $68 from Myer or David Jones 

US: $37 

This is definitely my new HG foundation, and I adore it to say the least. I am certain I will repurchase it for years to come! 

For reference: I am a NC40/42 and my Teint Miracle shade is 04.

Hope you all have a great day! xx

Product Rave: Face of Australia Strengthening Nail Polish Remover

Hey all,

One day I was in a rush and realised that my chipped, grubby remnants of fire engine red nail polish desperately needed to be removed. So, I purchased the first polish remover I came across - Face of Australia's Strengthening Nail Polish Remover. 

And...guess what? I absolutely adore it! It is definitely going to be my new HG of nail polish removers. 

Reasons I Love It

- A little goes a long way

- It doesn't smell too strong/doesn't have that horrible chemical odour

- I feel that my nails are actually stronger since beginning to use it

- The product & brand is against animal testing! 

- It's cheap - at $3.99

This product can be purchased wherever FOA is stocked - Big W, Target, K-mart & Priceline (that I know of). 

Hope you all have a great day! x

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils Review & Swatches

Hey all, 

I have just begun to buy products from NYX after hearing many raving reviews on youtube, and I thought I would try out these Jumbo Eye Pencils! I bought six to begin with, and I loved them so much that I now have 23, which I think is almost the entire collection!

I absolutely love these pencils, and use them in my looks just about every day. They have a great colour payoff, with an opaque consistency. They are creamy, glide on smoothly, and with a primer are long lasting. I usually use them as a base with a powder shadow on top to complete the look.

They retail for about $6.50 in Australia & $4 in the USA, and can be found at Crush Cosmetics AU.

NYX has provided a wide range of gorgeous shades, which are all highly pigmented.

My Favourite Shades

- Iced Mocha: Which I use as a base for a neutral eye.

- Slate: Great for a smokey eye.

- Pots & Pans: I use this shade as a base for silver looks. 

- Lime: Because I love greens on my eyes & this shade just 'pops'. 

- Purple Velvet: Beautiful deep purple that would suit anyone.

- Electric Blue: So bright & vivid! 

- Rust: Great for bronze looks. 

- Pure Gold: Gorgeous shimmery gold. 

- Milk: Great in the inner corners of the eye to brighten the whole look up. 

Ratings

Quality: 4/5

Price: 5/5

Packaging: 3/5

Overall: 4/5 

Would I buy it again? Definitely!

Swatches (For reference I am NC40/42)

Without Flash 

 Milk, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, Iced Mocha, French Fries, Gold, Pure Gold, Bronze & Rust 

With Flash

Without Flash

 Pots and Pans, Slate & Black Bean 

With Flash 

 Without Flash 

Oyster, Strawberry Milk, Lavender, Pacific, Purple, Purple Velvet

With Flash

Without Flash

Baby Blue, Electric Blue, Horse Radish, Lime, Rocky Mountain Green

With Flash '

Hope you all have a great day! xx