2014 Favourites

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Soundtrack To My Life Tag

When I came across this tag on YouTube, I knew I had to do it. This tag was created by Zoe London and Lily Melrose. Music is a major part of my life; it's what I study at university, it's something I can bond over with my parents, and not a day goes by when my stereo isn't blasting something. So I hope you enjoy reading this and I'd love to see your answers for this, so if you do it, let me know in the comments!

Song you listen to when you're happy? Je Vais Tres Bien - Twin Twin. The title literally translates to I'm very well, so it's all about being happy. It's the perfect song to dance around your room to and never fails to make me happy every time!

Song you listen to when you're sad? Untitled - Matt Corby. This is just a beautiful song. When I'm sad I like to listen to slow music, then once I've convinced to stop myself from being so caught up on something, then I'll move the uplifting songs. But this one is just so beautiful that it helps to calm me and think clearly.

What song will you have at your wedding? Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran. Or any other slow Ed Sheeran song. Seriously, I think in the next 10 years, 90% of first dances at weddings will be a song by Ed Sheeran. This song is just so beautiful and intimate, and would be perfect for the first dance at your wedding.

What song do you dance around the house to? Waterloo - ABBA. I have inherited my love of ABBA from my mother, and to be honest, her whole family. When I was little, at almost every family dinner at my house, we would put on an ABBA record, and we would all turn into some ABBA tribute group. I think the neighbours used to think we were the weirdest family. 

Song you play on your headphones when out and about? Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys. Or anything by them! Whenever I listen to this song or there music, it makes me feel like I'm strutting along, not having to think about anyone else. It makes me feel slightly cooler! Ha!

Song you listen to when you're angry? To be honest, I don't really get angry. My friends are still baffled by this. If I was angry, I would want something to cheer me up so something by Mika or Vampire Weekend.

Song you'd have at your funeral? Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles. When I die, my funeral will not be a depressing affair! This song is just a sweet song, saying that everything is going to be alright. Also, at the end of the funeral, I want You Can Call Me Al, to be playing. No one will be crying, only laughing!

Song that makes you lose your shit at a party? Magic Fountain - Art Vs. Science. This song is my jam! I remember at my year 12 ball, me and a few of my friends were waiting in line for photos and then we heard this. We just looked at each other and then ran in our dresses and heels to the dance floor and flung our arms around like maniacs. If you want to see me dance like an idiot, put this on.

The last song you listened to? Lost on Me - Peace. This is probably my favourite song at the moment. It's so catchy and groovy. Who says groovy anymore? Also, the video clip is genius.

Your karaoke song? Uptown Girl - Billy Joel. This was on singstar and the song is literally broken on the disc because of the amount of times I played this. It was one of the only songs I could get full marks for other than Video Killed The Radio Star.

What song do you work out/exercise to?  You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oates. I don't exercise a lot but I love listening to this! It's so up beat and easy to get me in a good mood to exercise. 

Song with the most memories attached? Euphoria - Loreen. I went to Europe in 2011, and my favourite place was Paris. One night I couldn't sleep, so I sat in front of our huge window over looking a busy intersection. I stayed up all night just watching, and I felt so happy.  Even though the song wasn't out at the time of the memories, the song just fits it perfectly. 

Song that makes you cry? Beth/Rest -  Bon Iver. When I'm sad, I usually listen to slow, calming songs like this. This is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Sometimes, it even makes me cry if I'm listening to it and not doing anything else. But not cry in a sad way, in a happy way!

Song you hate the most? Baby - Justin Bieber. This song is so irritating! For the first few weeks I thought it was a girl, honestly! It just annoys me so much, please never play it near me!

Your favourite song of all time? You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon. This song makes me so happy, and it's so catchy. I will never ever get sick of this song, and I'm always singing it in my car!

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Zara Oriental Perfume

Did you know Zara did perfumes? Because I didn't! I stumbled across a bunch of shelfs filled with different Zara perfumes. And they are reasonably priced too. They have a great range of scents, but this one caught my eye, or should I say, nose.

I'm definitely more of a fruity-floral perfume kind of gal, so for me to be drawn to this was strange. This has a more sweet smell to it, and it's also very similar to the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb which I have been lusting over for ages. I know this will become a staple for me during the winter because it is richer than all my other perfumes.

So if your looking for a cheap alternative for Flowerbomb, give this one a bit of a whiff next time your in Zara.

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My 2 Favourite Christmas Movies

December means digging out all my Christmas movies and binge watching them on my days off. They enhance the festive mood leading up to Christmas and get me in the Christmas spirit. A lot of the time, watching these movies are a bit confusing because you're watching all these scenes with snow and people wearing woolly jumpers. But here we are lying on the couch, in a singlet and shorts with the air conditioner blasting. So here are my 2 favourite festive movies to watch during this period!

Elf

I think is on on a lot of people's Christmas movie hit list. It's just such a good, funny, Christmas film. People either love or hate Will Ferrell, but I'm a big fan. Also, Zooey Deschanel is in it, so why wouldn't you want to watch it. If your looking for something light hearted and funny to watch, then this is the perfect movie!

Love Actually 

This would have to be my favourite Christmas movie and one of my all time favourites ever! It combines my love of British things and Christmas, and features so many well known British actors such as Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, and Keira Knightly. It features many stories that intertwine with each other, revolving around love and Christmas. It never fails to make me laugh or cry, even though I've seen it so many times. The Americans tried to recreate the same magic with movies like Valentines Day and New Years Ever, but they don't make the cut. They just don't feel the same as Love Actually, just like a lot of TV shows they try to recreate from British shows.

What are your favourite festive movies?

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I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas | Pinterest Inspiration

In Australia, there really is no such thing as white Christmas. Christmas day is usually in the mid 30's temperature wise, I've had some over 40, where you spend from about 10am to 10pm in the pool with a few food breaks and a present opening break in-between. For someone who hates the warm weather, I've been longing for a white Christmas. The closest I'm going to get to it for now is spending hours scrolling through Pinterest, pinning these pictures on to my Christmas board. A girl can dream!

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Images via Pinterest here, here, here, here, and here.

Lush Roots Hair Treatment

This year, my hair had been getting thinner and falling out slightly. Nothing major enough to go to the doctors about but enough to notice. I also noticed my hair was just getting really limp and I wanted to have a bit more volume. I went to Lush to seek out a shampoo or treatment that would help with fine hair. The lady recommend this to me. I've never used a hair treatment before so I was intrigued. 

It has a real peppermint smell to it and the lady at Lush said this was to stimulate the scalp. You massage this into the roots of your hair for about 20 minutes before you hop into the shower. It does feel and look like you've popped a tub of gel on your hair, so if you don't want to look like one of the T-Birds, you can pop a shower cap over the top. When you get in the shower, massage your head while you rinse it out then follow up with your usual shampoo and conditioner. 

When I got out of the shower, I could notice the difference straight away. My hair felt thicker and a lot stronger. I feel like this last for a few day before needing to use it again. I can notice when I don't use it for a while as my hair doesn't feel as thick. I have found though that the more you use it, the more days you can space between uses. I find it's good for me if I use it once, maybe even twice a week.

Have you used this before and what are your thoughts?

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Empties #4

 Empties are one of my favourite posts to read and watch on YouTube. I think once a person has finished a product completely, they have good opinion on the product rather than just after a few uses. I'll keep the reviews short and sweet, because who wants to read about my trash for hours?

Skincare

REN Rosa Centafolia Cleansing Gel Sample: I got this in one of my Mecca Beauty Loop boxes and it was super great. I found this gel cleanser so soothing on my skin and caused no irritation or redness like some can. Would I repurchase: Already have.

Simple Cleansing Wipes: What can I say. Good wipes that don't irritate, and remove my makeup when needed. Would I repurchase: Of course!

Swisspers Spa Pomegranate Wipes: These were terrible! The wipes were quite dry, they irritated my skin and only took of patches of my makeup. Would I repurchase: Never!

Clean & Clear Fast Clearing Spot Gel: I found this didn't work at all. I noticed no differences after using this daily for about a month. Would I repurchase: No. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +: I wasn't sure if this was a moisturiser or some kind of treatment but I used it as a moisturiser. I found it was quite good at fading my acne scars. It didn't get rid of them but they were less noticeable. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Lush Catastrophic Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask: This is a good calming face mask for me, as I have a lot of redness and acne. I think the consistency was a bit hard so it made it difficult to spread over the face. Overall a good mask though. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Lush Let The Good Times Roll Facial Cleanser: This would have to be my favourite cleanser from Lush. It smells amazing, and I used it a few times a week as it is a exfoliating cleanser. I felt my skin was a lot smoother and brighter after using this. Would I repurchase: Yes.

MAC Cleanse Off Oil: This did such a good job at removing my makeup. It left a white residue that was hard to get off with water sometimes which is my only complaint. It was good first go at a cleansing oil for me! Would I repurchase: Yes.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: This was good for drying out my pimples and to stop myself from touching them. The calamine helps to soothe the pimple. Would I repurchase: Yes.

The Body Shop Born Lippy Watermelon Lip Balm: This is just a good standard lip balm. I used it every night before bed and it leaves my lips feeling a lot more hydrating. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Biore Steam Activated Cleanser: I used to love this but now I fell it does nothing to my skin. Some days it almost stung which was not good. Would I repurchase: No.

Haircare

Batiste Dry Shampoo for Medium to Brunette: I love Batiste and this is a good one for people with darker hair and it doesn't have a white colour so you don't have to worry about white patches. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original: Just the standard dry shampoo. Good, readily available, and never fails me. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Lush Cynthia Silvia Stout Shampoo Sample: At first, the smell put me off, but once you get over that, it's a great shampoo! I dry my hair naturally so it gets pretty frizzy but with this it dries a lot smoother. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Lush Roots Hair Treatment Sample: Lately my hair has been thinner so an assistant at Lush gave me this to try. I find after using this my hair feels a lot thicker and healthier. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Lush Rehab Liquid Shampoo Sample: This makes your hair feel so refreshed and cleanses it off all those products you put in in-between washes. Would I repurchase: Yes.
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner: I got this in my Marie Clare parcel. I thought it would add moisture but I found it did the opposite. Would I repurchase: No.

 Makeup

Revlon Lash Potion Mascara: This mascara I found was a great everyday one. It gave the lashes length but not to much volume to give them that natural look. Would I repurchase:Yes.

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm: Just my standard trusty lip balm, always in my handbag. Usually I lose these before I finish them but I actually finished one. Yay me! Would I repurchase: Yes.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinsh Natural in Light: Probably the best powder I have ever used. It gives a light coverage that helps me keep matte all day. Definitely of holy grail state for me. Would I repurchase: Yes, I already have!

Sportsgirl Delashous False Eyelashes in Luscious: I never buy false lashes because I can never apply them properly or feel the need to wear them. I won these along with other things in a competition and I used them for a costume party. They were easy to apply and I didn't find any problems with them. Would I repurchase: No.

Bodycare

DKNY Be Delicious Perfume: I adore this perfume. I wore this while in Europe and wearing it now brings back memories. I think this would be my favourite perfume, a perfect fresh summery perfume. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Dirty Works Buttery Salt Scrub: I did not like this scrub at all. It smelt funny, the scrub was too fine and it was a bit too runny for my liking. Would I repurchase: No.

Lush Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub: This scrub was great, it wasn't to fine which I don't like. It also lathered up which I think is great as it makes it multiple products in one. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Lush So White Shower Gel: I love the smell of this! It's such a fresh shower gel and I love the shimmer in it. Not the best lather though but better than others. This is Christmas stock so make sure to get it before it runs out. Would I repurchase: Yes.

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My Christmas Wishlist

Making my Christmas wishlist was one of the most exciting things to do as a kid. And I still do get excited! So I'm giving you a peak at what's on my list this year!

Dr Martens | Glasshouse Rio De Janeiro Candle | The Body Shop Glazed Apple Shower Gel

Mim Pouch | Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette | Real Techniques Core Collection

Too Faced Under The Mistletoe Set | Kikki-K Leather Time Planner Medium | Bobbi Brown Book

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The Ultimate Christmas Playlist

I present to you the ultimate Christmas playlist! Christmas is my favourite time of year and it's not complete until I bring out the Christmas music. Michael Buble is a staple during the festive season and so is Mariah Carey. There is something so special about this music and the all the ones on this playlist hold special memories. The Mariah Carey tracks remind me of when I was young because I cannot remember a Christmas when this wasn't on constant rotation in my house. The Pouges' Fairytale of New York would have to be my favourite Christmas song. Bruce Springsteen's Santa Claus is Comin' to Town reminds me of my Dad because he is a massive Bruce Springsteen. Also, Christmas is All Around Me from Love Actually is there because Love Actually is my favourite Christmas movie of all time! And lastly, two versions of All I Want For Christmas Is You. the Mariah Carey album is what is in our car if we're going to another family members house for Christmas and when this song comes on, we all belt it out, wether the windows are down or up!

Let me know what your favourite Christmas songs are!

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200 Follower & 1 Year Blogiversary Giveaway

Formula 10.0.6 No Time To Shine Mud Mask, Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Mud Mask, Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink, Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment, Revlon Matte Balm in Standout, Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop in Oh Orange, Maybelline Baby Lips, Chi Chi Nude Eyeshadow Palette.

So finally the giveaway is here! I just want to say thanks to all the people that have been supporting my blog for the last year. This giveaway is a bunch of some of my favourite things on a budget. All the details for the giveaway will be down below. Enjoy!

Giveaway Details

• The giveaway is only open to Australian residents (Sorry! Hopefully the next one will be international)
• It ends on the 23rd of December
• I will contact the winner through email, or other social media forms
• If they do not reply in 48 hours, I will pick another winner

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Christmas Tag

Image via Pinterest

24 sleeps till Christmas! I put the tree up this morning with Christmas music blaring so the house is feeling very festive at the moment. I get so excited around this time of year but Christmas is just so magical and I love the atmosphere surrounding this time of year. I saw the Christmas tag floating around the blogosphere so I thought this would be the perfect thing to do on the first day of blogmas.

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s?Definitely Love Actually! I watched this so many times and it never fails to make me laugh and cry like a madman. I love British movies and tis has some of my favourites actors in it. Honourable mentions go to Elf and The Santa Clause.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?Always on Christmas morning. We used to open them first thing when we were little because we were so eager, but now the first thing I do when I get up is eat breakfast so we have breakfast first, then open the gifts.

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?Going Christmas shopping in the city at night or at Karrinyup. Just seeing all those decorations is just so special, like your in a movie. Also, any water fights we had in the pool! (Just reminding you I live in Australia, we don't get a white Christmas)

4. Favourite festive food?
Seafood! Prawns, octopus, squid, . . the list goes on! Also, the ice-cream cake!

5. Favourite Christmas gift?Probably my first iPod. I'm really into music so this was the best thing ever.

6. Favourite Christmas scent?The Christmas tree! You know it's Christmas when you get the tree out.

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?My mum, sister, and I watch Carols by Candlelight on TV while painting our nails!

8. What tops your tree?A gold star. When I was little, I wouldn't be able to reach the top, so Dad would always lift me up. As I was getting older, I always would ask if the tree was shrinking but I was just growing. Now, I can just reach the top on my tip toes. Though last year, my dad had to get me out of the tree, because as I was putting the star up, I lost my balance and fell into the tree!

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?I was never ungrateful for what I got at Christmas, but there were always so many things on my wishlist that I never got.  Those diaries that were opened by voice activation, those robot puppies, gameboys, and puppies. I loved everything I got from my parents, and I'm so grateful for everything in my life.

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?Spending time with my family, listening to Christmas music, eating Christmas lunch, the list goes on! I just love Christmas so much!

Let me know if you do this tag and I'd love to see your answers.

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The Bronzer For The Palest of Pale

Being a girl with pale skin in the Australian summer can be a bit difficult sometimes. While everyone is strolling around with their new summer tan, I'm always lurking around the shadows with skin the colour that would rival Morticia Addams'. I've have been on the search for the perfect bronzer for my skin over the years, I want to add colour and life to my face, not look like I came out of my shift at Willy Wonka's factory. And after months of scrolling through blogs searching for the one, I think I have found it.

The Body Shop Honey Bronzer in the shade 01 light is the perfect shade for me. Not too dark but still gives me a bronze glow to this pale face of mine. I love that it's matte as well because I'm not a fan of shimmer bronzers, especially because I have a lot of acne on my cheeks so it can accentuate the blemishes. I use my Mecca Cosmetica Blush Brush to apply it. I focus it on the outer edge of the cheek bones and then sweep it in a three motion, up to the temples, then the cheek bones, and finally underneath the jaw. It just helps define and bronze my face. And for $22.95, it is defiantly worth the price. So if you're as pale as me, make sure to check this out at your local Body Shop.

Do you recommend any other bronzers for pale skin?

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Freedom!

Image via Pinterest

I have finished my second year of uni! 1 more year to go! Well that's if I pass all my units but fingers crossed. I can't believe how fast these 2 years have gone by. Now that I'm on holidays I can work on my blog a bit more. Hopefully I'll have my giveaway ready before Christmas, and I'm also think of doing Blogmas! I think it would be a challenge to blog everyday, but I have one question is it 25 days or the full 31? Also, Perth's first Mecca Maxima opened yesterday in Joondalup and on Monday I'm going to have a visit so there will probably be a haul soon! I can't wait to get back into blogging more! See you soon!

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1 Year Blogiversary

I can't believe it's been a year since I've started this blog! Time flies by! The thing I can't believe is that I actually stuck it out. There were so many times when I ran out of ideas or could not be bothered blogging. This is a new hobby for me and I want to continue doing this because I'm really enjoying doing this. So thank you for everyone that has followed and is reading my blog, I never thought I'd have this many followers by this time!

Also, thank you for helping me reach over 200 followers, that was a huge surprise! So massive thank you's for all! I'm planning to do a giveaway soon, but I'm on a spending ban at the moment, so nice that finishes, then I'll get together a little pack as a thank you present for one of you guys!

Thank you again!

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A Few Of My Favourite Things Tag

Products - lipsticks, shoes, stationary
Foods - gnocchi, salads, spaghetti bolognese
Places - London, Melbourne, home
Things you'd miss - winter, my family
Things you do when you're bored - listen to music, watch tv shows, lie on the floor
Things you enjoy when its sunny - being in a pool, water slides
Films - 10 Things I Hate About You, American Graffiti, Submarine, 500 Days of Summer
Songs - "I Could Have Been Your Girl" by She & Him, "You Can Call Me Al" by Paul Simon
Brands - Sportsgirl, MAC, Zara.Outdoor things that you like - rain, the wind
Events - Christmas, Eurovision
Cartoons - Arthur, Hey Arnold!
Buildings - Louvre
Anything in everyday life - going to bed, face masks
Traits in any person, not just partners - funny, honest, kind
Influences - Zooey Deschanel, Disney
Drinks - Solo, Lemon Lime Bitters, any kind of beer
Experiences - travelling, graduating high school
Things to Watch - New Girl, Misfits, Bad Education, Mighty Boosh, Sherlock, Brooklyn 99
Youtubers - EssieButton, ViviannaDoesMakeup, Helen Melonlady, MissGlamorazzi

I saw this on Microscope Beauty's blog and thought I'd give this a whirl as my first tag on this blog! As you can see I have a love for anything involving Zooey Deschanel, as she is basically in 4 of my answers.

I tag you all to do it! Let me know if you do and leave a link below so I can what you all love and get to know you better!

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November Playlist | 2014

I've listening to a few "new" artists this month. When I say new, I mean new to me. Artists like Ella Eyre, Peace, and Banks have been on rotation for the past few weeks. Especially Peace, I saw the lead singer on Never Mind The Buzzcocks a couple of weeks ago, and I just fell in love with their music.

Let me know what you've been loving because I love checking out new music!

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The Parcel by Marie Claire | The Spring Edit 2014

I've never tried a subscription box before this one to be honest. I've heard some average reviews on the Australian ones so I never wanted to put money towards it. Until I saw this one, The Parcel by Marie Claire. Every 4 months, you get a box worth $25 delivered to your doorstep. And it's worth it. The two full size products in here are worth about $45 together. This box is the Spring Edit, so each box has a season, the next one being the Summer Edit. This being my first time receiving a subscription box, I'm super impressed with whats in it, and the quality of the products.

Firstly in the box, I received the Lacome Visionaire Advanced Skin Corrector. This is something that's aimed at different skin to mine, and also my mum mentioned she used to use it, so I'll give it to her. Then I got the Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in Parisian Passion, which is the colour I wanted which was great! I have tried it, and my opinion is meh. It's ok, but it's nothing special. When I was applying it, it looked really gloomy on the lips, so it takes a while to spread the colour evenly. Next is the Gwen Stefani by O.P.I Nail Laquers in the shade In True Stefani Fashion, which is a silver glitter polish. I was so excited to see this in here because my love for Gwen Stefani is never-ending. Ever since my cousin introduced me to No Doubt when I was about 8, I have never looked back. Gwen Stefani is the reason I love red lips.

There are two sample sizes of the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner and They're Real Mascara which I was so excited for because these are both hyped up products. I haven't tried the liner yet, but the mascara is amazing. It makes your lashes look really long and full, and it doesn't budge at all! I got a mini size of the L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray which will be good to try because the hairspray I use at the moment makes my hair feel crispy which is not what I want. As a bonus, there is mini Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioners. these will be good to take on holiday or if I run out of my shampoo and conditioner.

I honestly can't wait for the next box if it's going to be anything like this. If you got this bo, let me know what you thought of it!

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October Favourites | 2014

Can we please press the slow-mo button for the rest of the year because everything is moving so quickly! I haven exams coming up in the next few weeks and Christmas is less than 2 months away! But of  course I'm excited for Christmas because it's my favourite holiday year, maybe expect for when Easter falls on my birthday! Double the fun! Anyway on to the favourites!

Firstly, I've been trying to clear up skin for the past few months because it got out of control. And these two products have been responsible for helping it all calm down. Firstly, the Lush Tea Tree Water is such a gentle toner for my skin and feels great when you sprtiz it on your face. The tea tree is helping with my blemishes. Also what helped me with fadeing some of my scars, the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo has been amazing for my skin. The scars are slowing fading which is great, because it looked like I had more pimples that I have.

Makeup wise, the Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation has been amazing. The colour is a good match for my pale skin and it has great lasting power. I'd say it's a dupe for the M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. Also, the Maybelline Brow Drama does wonders to my brows. It's the perfect colour as well, because a lot of drug store eyebrow products tend to be on the orange side.

What have been your favourite products this month?

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Lush Christmas Haul

You know Christmas is on it's way when Lush releases their Halloween and Christmas collections! Around Christmas time last year was when I first got into Lush so some of my first products I bought from their are part of the Christmas collection. It brings such fond memories, and I keep my bag of goodies next to my desk so the smell sometimes wafts over while I'm studying which is pleasant. Anyway enough jibber jabber, here is what I picked up!

Firstly, I picked up the Baked Alaska soap because they didn't have Angel's Delight this year, which is so sad! But this soap is lovely and has a mild citrus scent to it. Then I picked up my all time favourite bath bomb, Golden Wonder. I think this is my 3rd or 4th one, it just smells so good and the bath turns an amazing colour when you pop it in. I don't want to give to much away so it's a surprise for you if you get one for the first time! I got 2 little critters, the Christmas Hedgehog and the Christmas Penguin  bubbles bars. These are so cute so I couldn't resist getting them. Next is the Snow Angel bath melt which looks so beautiful, and I love the gold glitter on the back. As you can tell I'm a big fan of glitter. Then I got the Luxury Lush Pud bath bomb which has os many different colours on it so I can only imagine the colourfulness of the bath. Lastly, the famous Lord of Misrule bath bomb. Yes, I know this is Halloween but 1 product is not enough to change the name of the post! This looks amazing and I can only imagine the bath when this goes in, a cool cauldron swish colours. Also not in this picture because I got it a few days later is the So White shower gel. This smells like green apples and has glitter in it, can it be any better than that?

What have you picked up from Lush lately?

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The Book Club #1 | Man Repeller

Welcome to my book club! When I was little up until the end of high school, reading was my life. I'd go through books like nobody's business. When I reached uni, instead of reading at night, I'd be up on my laptop surfing the internet and watching youtube videos for hours! Just recently, I bought a few books to get me back in the habit of reading before bed to help me get to sleep easier and this is the first one, Man Repeller by Leandra Medine.

This book is such a great little book; it's a bit quirky, talks about (sometimes) bad fashion choices, boys, and the ability of certain outfits or clothes to shape our memories. I laughed out loud in many bits and some even reminded of some old memories involving some weird clothes I have worn it the past. I don't want to give too much away, but it's a great read for anyone who loves fashion and wants a good light hearted book to read.

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My Mecca Cosmetica Beauty Loop Box | October 2014

When I got the email the other day saying the boxes were ready to collect, I got so excited. Something about those cute sample sizes just get me so excited! Also, I've moved up to Level 2 which I don't know wether to be happy about it or not, but I do need to stop spending! Anyway, I was really happy at what came in the box.

First is the bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. This came in the shade B, which is definitely not my shade, but you can't expect a sample box to give you your exact shade. I'll just try it out when I have a home day. Next is the REN Ultra-Moisture Day Cream - Dry Skin. This I will not be using because I have super oily skin, so I'll be giving this to my mum. And I'll also be giving her the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer because I already have the full size. Lastly, the one I'm probably most excited to try is the Mecca Cosmetica After Sun Lotion. Because I'm so pale, I burn really easily, so as you can imagine I cannot live without after sun lotion. Also, it's a product preview so it'll be great to test this out and give feedback. Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this with this box. They seem to give big sample sizes which is great for getting good opinion on the products.

What did you get in your Beauty Loop Box?

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Thank You NARS!

A few weeks ago, I got a message from the @narsissist instagram account asking for my address to send a little thank you for being a NARSissist. I have seen people on instagram post about this before but I never thought I would get one. I think this is great PR for the company for thanking the people who use their products.I'm not saying that all companies should go out and do this, but it is great when you get noticed or get a response from such a big company. Thank you to NARS for the lovely gift and I will continue to forever love your products!

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3 Revlon Spring Lip Picks

Along with Rimmel, I believe that Revlon has some of the best drugstore lip products on offer. They have a great range of colours and finish, making hard not to find what you want. Also, the 3 ones I picked are all super easy to maintain, so you don't have to worry about fussy application while your frolicking amongst the flowers. Or if you have hay fever like me, forever hiding the redness around your nose and eyes. So here are three lip products that are worthy to be on your lips this spring.

The Balm - Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Rendezvous

The orange-ext of the picks, this is a sheer balm that goes on easy breezy. It has a minty smell too it which ends up making my lips feel fresh. These balms are great for quick on the go application. They're not the greatest at lasting power, but I don't mind when the application is super easy.

The Lip Butter - Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya

This lip butter is more of a coral shade of the 3 picks. At first use, the application isn't the easiest. But if you warm it up on you lips, like butter, it will go on more smoothly. My favourite things about these though is there packaging, I love how the colour of the balm is on the casing. They just feel so luxurious on the lips.

The Lipgloss - Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Peony

This is probably my favourite lip gloss ever; not to sticky, perfect amount of sheerness. This colour is the most pink of all the shades. It has little flecks of gold in it, almost reminding my of NARS Orgasm Lipgloss. The applicator is great and for me, it's a great everyday colour.

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Empties #3

The past few months I've been on a bit of an empties mission. I had so many skincare and makeup products on their last legs but just sitting int he back of my cupboards and drawers. So in an attempt to clean out my stash, I made sure I used up all of my products that were almost empties. So this empties is going to be a big one! I'm going to give a mini review of each of them so you can all know what they were like for me.

Skincare

Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions 3 Step System (Cleanser, Toner, and Moisturiser): My mum bought this over a year ago in an attempt to help me with my terrible acne on my skin. Besides the moisturiser, the products were so stripping and irritated my skin. The foaming cleanser I found did nothing, the toner was quite irritating on my skin ann always made it red. The moisturiser was quite nice but not the best I have used. Would I repurchase?: No.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: This cleanser is great for a no-fuss gentle cleanser that doesn't irritate, and just freshens up your skin. I figured if I was using lots of acne products for other steps, I need just a gentle cleanser to balance things out and this works great. Also, it's really affordable! I ended buying a litre bottle of it! Would I repurchase?: Yes, I already have.

Lush Dark Angels Cleanser: A lady at Lush recommended this to me after I said I have oily skin. I like this but at the same time I don't. It does make your face not so oily but it's just so messy! The colour of it is black because it has coal in it. It just gets everywhere, so probably the best place to use it would be in the shower. Would I repurchase?: No.

Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask: Firstly, this smells amazing! I am a chocaholic so I had to refrain myself from trying to eat it. Because you have to put it in the fridge, it is so cooling when you put it on. My skin felt so much better after every time I used it. Would I repurchase?: Yes, but I want to try other Lush masks first.

Garnier Moisture Match Mattifying Fresh Cream: This is great for people with oily skin as it definitely helps mattify the skin. It has a slight fragrance to t but I like it. It feels fresh when you put it on the skin and is great for a morning moisturiser. Would I repurchase?: Maybe.

Lush Grease Lightening Spot Treatment: My expectation of this was that it was miraculously going to get rid of every pimple on my face. Don't expect that though. It does help with redness and irritation, but takes a while to get rid of the pimple. Not a miracle worker but good for calming the pimples down.Would I repurchase?: Maybe.

Philosophy Purity Cleanser: A lot of people raved about this as being a gentle cleanser for all skin types so I was excited to give it a go. At first, it worked really well. But after a week, I noticed I was getting really dry skin around my lips. A week later, it started to peal. I don't know what is in it to cause that but I'll not be trying this again. Would I repurchase?: No.

Simple Spotless Skin Quick Fix Cleansing Wipes: I thought I would try these wipes, as I love the original ones but I do suffer from acne so I thought it might help. I saw no difference when using these, so I'll be sticking to the regular wipes. Would I repurchase?: No.

Makeup

Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Combo/Oily Skin: This is first foundation I owned. Not the first bottle, I think this is the third? I used to love this stuff and I don't know if my skin is changing but I really didn't like this towards the end. I found it clung to dry patches and just never went on nicely. I've found foundations that suit me a lot better. Would I repurchase?: No.

Revlon ColorStay Concealer: Same goes for this. I used to love it, now I feel it does't work as well. Would I repurchase?: No.

Savvy Mineral Loose Powder: This is just a great setting powder. It's cheap but I'm pretty sure it's only in Australia which sucks. Currently though, I'm preferring my pressed powders. Would I repurchase?: Maybe.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer: I bought the little size to test it out and I loved it so much I bought the full size. This is a great primer that keeps you matte, has SPF, and your makeup doesn't budge all day! Would I repurchase?: Yes!

Rimmel Stay Matte Sample: This was terrible! It clung to all my dry patches and looked patchy on my skin, even after trying desperately to blend it out. The colour looked almost green, which was gross. Overall, I'm glad I never bought a full size first. Would I repurchase?: No.

Stila Stay All Day Foundation Sample: I loved this stuff, It is a great foundation for night because it has no SPF, and has a good full coverage. I ended up buying a full size because it was so great. Would I repurchase?: Yes.

NARS Sheer Glow Sample: This foundation has a deceptive name. I found it not glowy and not sheer, which for me is great! It's a good medium coverage foundation, that has a satin finish to it. Also, the colour range for NARS foundations are great! I've already bought a bottle of it. Would I repurchase?: Yes.

NARS Sheer Matte Sample: This wasn't the greatest thing I've ever tried. I found it clung to dry patches. I also didn't look that great on my skin. Would I repurchase?: No.

Body Stuff

Body Shop Shea Body Butter: I've never been too keen on the idea of body butters. After trying this, I still wasn't taken by it. I think I liked the way it made my legs feel, but I don't think I liked the smell so that's why I was put off. Would I repurchase?: No.

Mitchum Advanced Control: Usually I wouldn't put a deodorant in here but this one is great! It leaves no marks, keeps me feeling fresh, and lasts a long time. Would I repurchase?: Yes.

Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel: This is my favourite body shop scent ever! Well, Papaya was but they discontinued it. Anyway, this is probably my 3rd bottle of this stuff and it's just the best; lathers up week, smells good, and makes your skin super soft. Would I repurchase?: Yes.

Anatomicals The Buff Stuff Citrus Body Scrub: This was really disappointing. The scrub was to fine to make a difference on my skin. I prefer coarser scrubs on my skin. Would I repurchase?: No.

Tommy Hilfiger Loud Body Wash: I got this in a perfume gift set for Christmas. I don't really like the scent of either of them but I was using this every time I ran out of a shower gel. Would I repurchase?: No.

Haircare

Garnier Fructis Texturising Spray: I had this bottle for about 5 years! Thats such a long time, and I should have chucked it out but I couldn't bear to. The product isn't that great but the smell reminded me of some good times during the summers between school years. I think they've discontinued this now because I can never find it. Would I repurchase?: No.

Lush I Love Juicy Shampoo: This shampoo is fantastic for those with oily hair like me! It smells so fruity and fresh and lathers up well in the shower. I had no problems at all with this shampoo. Would I repurchase?: Yes.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: Just the usual dry shampoo. Still the best one I've tried and does the job well. Would I repurchase?: Of course.

Told you there was going to be a lot!

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Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation

Rimmel is probably one of my favourite drugstore brands. I love their mascaras, nail polishes, and lipsticks, but I was yet to try one of their foundations. Until now (that sounded so dramatic, I should be in a TV drama).

Rimmel's Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation claims to be full coverage, last 25 hours, and be sweat, heat humidity, and transfer proof. Those are pretty big things to claim, but they are pretty much true.

The foundation definitely can be full coverage by building it up as when it;s first applied it's more of a medium-full coverage. The claim that it last 25 hours is almost true, I wore it for 14 hours recently and when I got home it looked pretty good. It had faded around my nose a bit, but that happens all the time so I wasn't too bothered. I touched up about 6 hours into wearing it which is impressive for me because I have a pretty oily t-zone. It has a satin finish, and I would describe this foundation as being almost a dupe for the M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. The day I was wearing it, I had uni and work, and at work I do a lot of running around when it's busy and lifting heavy boxes so for it to last almost throughout the day, I'm impressed!

This is such a great foundation, and it's great that it's from the drugstore so it's easy to get for everyone.

Have any of you tried this and what are your thoughts?

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Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub

I had never been a scrub type of person until a few months ago when I started using a scrub I got for Christmas. It changed my life! Not really, but I did notice a difference in my skin and I've been hooked on scrubs ever since. It gave me a reason to try this one from Lush, the Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub. Kudos for the rhyming Lush.

To me, it smells like Lush in a tub. When you walk into one of their shops, you get a smell of all of their products at once and this is what t reminds me of.The colour is bright blue which is a bit of fun for shower time. What I love most about it is what the product actually does. While it's a scrub, to me it's also a shower gel at the same time. When you wash the scrub off, you're left with this soft silky feeling on your body which I haven't found with other scrubs I've tried. It's not to harsh but not too soft, just perfect! It only lathers up a little bit, but that means you don't have to use a body wash with it.

What are your favourite scrubs? I'm keen to try out some others so let me know your favourites down below!

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October Playlist | 2014

Usually, I love listening to chilled out music in Autumn and Winter. But this months playlist is about 80% chill, which is weird for me at this time of year. I've been obsessed with George Ezra, and his mellow deep voice. Also the new Clavin Harris song "Blame" because I also enjoy John Newman's voice, it's a bit different but so beautiful. So I hope you enjoy all the music that I've been loving this month.

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MOTD | Silvery Smokey Eye

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