Everyday Makeup Drawer #1

One of my favourite things about moving has been redoing my makeup setup (sad, I know). But something about organising things into little sections just gives me great satisfaction! The desk in my room is the half size version of the one I had back home so that was really handy, I've filled that with some of the Muji PP Vanity dividers and on top of my desk I have my Muji Acrylic 2 Drawers, which I am using the bottom to store all my lipsticks and the top has my everyday makeup. So I wanted to give you a look into my top drawer which is what I would wear on a typical day. It makes it easy to reach for on mornings when I need to get ready quickly and contains a few products I want to use up.

A Beauty Anti Haul

As a self confessed lover of all things beauty and skincare related, I purchase more than the average person on beauty products. That being said, I am still very good at saving my money so I know when to real in the spending and give my bank account a bit of a boost. This means most of my purchases are well thought out, sometimes there is an occasional brain fade and I purchase something on a whim, and when new products come out I read reviews and take a while to decide if I want it because I want it or because or the hype around the product. But there are always a few products that right off the bat I know that I definitely do not want. Either because I don't believe the hype around them or that I know that I will never use that product. 

Recently there have been a few blog posts and videos that instead of being a haul, they are an anti-haul. I think the first person to start this idea is Kimberly Clark, whose videos are so entertaining. But I really like this kind of video/post because instead of talking about things you buy, they talk about why they don't want certain products and almost is a way of convincing me that I don't need these products. So here are some of the products that I will definitely not be buying in the future.

Shopping My Stash

With working full time now, I find that I tend to reach for the same products everyday. It just easier to know exactly what your going to wear that day then spending time deciding on different products. Especially when you want to get ready in as little time as possible. So I've done a bit of a search through my collection and picked out a few products that I don't wear often, and that I need to use more.

My Mecca Beauty Loop Box Level 2 - January 2017

Definitely one thing that brightens up my day is getting an email from Mecca saying you can go and collect your Beauty Loop Box. I just love picking up my box of samples, which I did this week on one of my lunch breaks at work and excitedly opened it in the staff room. This time around I am a level 2 instead of a 3, but that is a good thing because it means I'm spending less!  Here's a peak at what was inside my box this quarter.

Mecca Cosmetica Wishlist

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl | Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | Too Faced Mr Right Brush | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure | Sunday Riley Luna Oil
Diptyque Baies Candle | Origins Original Skin  Mask with Rose Clay | Stila Liquid Lipstick in Caramello | Stila Eyes Are The Window Spirit Palette

Lately, I've been feeling the urge to spend. I just recently got a new job and I've used up a few things in my makeup collection. But I've got to start saving a bit more money, so my wishlist is growing bigger and bigger. These are the products that are definitely up the top of the wishlist. Especially the Sunday Riley Luna Oil, I've wanted to up my skincare game for a while and this seems to be the product that everyone raves about.

What's on your beauty wishlist?

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Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette | Review

Not gonna lie, I ate that chocolate bar straight after taking the photo. But this post isn't about my love affair with chocolate, but it's pretty damn close. The Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette ($72) not only looks like a chocolate bar but smells like one too. This had been on my want list for a very long time so after receiving some vouchers for my birthday, I finally picked it up.

Rose Gold Smokey Eye With MAC's Tan Pigment

I have always been very afraid of using pigments because a) they seem messy, and b) my eyeshadow game is not very strong. But I told myself, I won't get any better if I don't keep trying new things and practicing new techniques. I took this as a sign to go shopping and I ended up getting the MAC Pigment in Tan. I thought this would be a good colour to start with because it's neutral and I could wear it day or night to any occasion.

The Monthly Edit | May 2016

The month of May has been a quiet month. Nothing much has happened which is good in some ways but bad in others. I've been doing some work experience which involves social media which has been so interesting. It was something that I was interested in learning more about and I feel like I have learnt a lot while I have been there.

Empties #9

I went to chuck something in my empties bag and saw it was over flowing so this post is definitely due. It's always satisfying use up a whole product and I love hearing everyone's thoughts on a product they have obviously used up. 

A Little Birthday Haul

So my birthday was last week and I was lucky enough to get some spending money! Of course being me, that money is going to be spent on makeup. I had a few things on my list to get at Mecca Maxima but they had none of the shades I was after. So rather than spending the money just because I was there, I put it into my bank account for a future Sephora order where I would actually spend the money on something I really wanted.

21st Birthday Wishlist

Estee Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge Perfume | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure | The Horse Time Piece | Zoeva Rose Gold Brush Set | Love Life Style by Garance Dore | Mimco The Go To Stud |Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette | Diptyque Baies Candle

So apparently I'm turning 21 in a few weeks, ummm what? Where did my childhood go and do I really have to be a proper adult? However I am looking forward to it because I'm having a little party for all my friends and family, and I love having everyone I care for in one space!

What has been on your wishlist lately?

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Glitter Smokey Eye with Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in DGAF

Last week, I went out to a festival to celebrate my cousin's birthday and this is what I chose to wear on my face. I have been obsessed with the Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in DGAF since I got it in the mail a couple of weeks ago.It's a warm rose gold colour with green and gold shimmer in it, super stunning.

Subtle Smokey Eye With The Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette

So the other night I wanted to experiment with my Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette and I created a soft smokey eye. My makeup skills are still not the best, but I am definitely seeing improvement and I feel like I can start to become more adventurous. I also want to start posting more looks, because I've always been afraid of what people might say about how I look, but lately I've been like "So what!". So I hope you enjoy this look.

Upping My Brow Game

Up until 3 years ago, doing my brows was never part of my makeup routine. They matched my hair colour, the shape of them was neat enough to never be plucked or waxed, and I just didn't have any idea of how to maintain them. Then I decided to change my hair colour. I went from an ashy dark blonde to a slight warm medium brunette. Now, my eyebrows are lighter than my hair, which means sometimes it looks like there are none at all. That is when I started to take notice and start to fill them in. I've only ever got them shaped once at that was last year, my eyebrows aren't the perfect shape but they're neat enough to leave alone.

MOTD | Mauve It Up

Using mauve shades in my makeup lately has been my new obsession. I've never really been into mauve shades before but something has changed in me! The eyes and lips in this look, I have been wearing almost everyday for the past 2 weeks. I wore this look to one of my friend's 20th birthday and I think it was a perfect simple night time look.

June Favourites | 2015

So officially, half the year is over. WHAAAAT?! This year has gone by so quickly so far, and the rest of it probably will too. Next moth, I'll be starting my last semester of university, and I'll be going to Europe at the end of November for 2 months! I did a bit of shopping the last month, and testing out a lot of new things so I had a few distinct favourites this month.

Empties #6

Even though some people don't find them interesting, empties videos and blog post are some  of my favourites to read. Because people have finished the product, they can give a full, honest review on the product. So without further ado, here's a in depth review of my trash!

Makeup

Australis Make-up Finishing Spritz - I didn't really like this product, but the smell was nice. I just found that it didn't do anything in terms of pro-longing makeup and keeping it fresh. Would I repurchase? No.

MAC Prep & Prime Beauty Balm - This was my first purchase from MAC, but it wasn't one I was happy with. I wanted to come out with a foundation but the lady persuaded me to get this. I found it to be too heavy, but it didn't have the best of coverage either. Also, it made my skin go oilier faster than usual. Would I repurchase? No.

Garnier BB Cream For Oily Skin - This was my favourite base for lazy days. It has a runny consistency, and covers well. However, even though this is the lightest shade, I found it looked a bit orange on me. Would I repurchase? No.

Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara - I was excited to try this mascara, as the last one I had tried from them was amazing. However this just felt heavy on my lashes and they clumped easily.  Would I repurchase? No.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - This is a good lightweight brightening mascara for under the eyes. It was great for everyday use. Would I repurchase? Maybe.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pure Primer - I really loved using this primer. It had a silicone feel to it and made my foundation glide nicely over the top. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil - I think this is a good affordable eye pencil. But I seem to go through these really quickly which is strange. Would I repurchase? Maybe.

Body

The Body Shop Glazed Apple Shower Gel - Body Shop shower gels are my favourite shower gels. They lather up so well, and the scent lingers throughout the day. This scent smelt amazing and reminded me of my childhood. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Kit Body Wash Pomegranate & Pink Grapefruit - I didn't like this at all. It didn't lather well and the scent smelled like a cleaning product my mum uses. Not a fan. Would I repurchase? No.

Anatomicals Night Time Hand Cream - This felt really greasy on my hands and there was still residue in the morning. I did like the scent however. Would I repurchase? No.

Lush Prince Charming Shower Gel - The scent of this confused me. It's got a fresh citrus scent, but also a musk smell which was a bit overpowering. Would I repurchase? No.

Burberry Brit Sheer - I bought this when I first went to Europe in 2011. It's not my favourite perfume ever, but it was good for everyday wear. Would I repurchase? No.

Lush Volcano Foot Mask - A few months ago, my feet were in terrible condition (TMI?), so I thought I'd give them some TLC with this mask. I feel like this didn't do anything amazing, and it smelt so bad! But I think my feet did like that extra attention. Would I repurchase? No.

Skincare & Haircare

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes - I haven't been using theses as much lately, but these are just so gentle on my skin. They are great for days where I don't have a lot of makeup on, and I'm feeling a bit lazy. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Neutrogena Make-up Cleansing Towels  - I really didn't like these. They irritated my skin and they felt really dry. Would I repurchase? No.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash - It took me ages to uses this up because I really hated this. It sucked all the moisture out of my face and I didn't feel like it did anything for my acne. Would I repurchase? No.

Formula 10.0.6 Get Your Glow On Brightening Mask  - This mask is so much fun because it's a peel off mask. Sometimes that can be a bit messy when it gets caught in your hair. I did notice my skin was a bit brighter but nothing spectacular. Would I repurchase? Maybe.

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel - This is such a great cleanser! It's not stripping like some gel cleansers can be and it's so gentle on the skin. My face feels so refreshed after using this. Would I repurchase? Yes.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Just the usual dry shampoo, handy for that third day after washing where you just can't be bothered. Would I repurchase? Yes.

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MOTD | My 20th Birthday

On Good Friday, I turned the big 20. I am now an official adult which makes me slightly terrified. I can no longer blame my silly actions on my teenage self, because that period is officially over. I don't feel like an adult, I still feel 18. Partly because overtime I go to a bar, I spend 5 minutes at the door with the security guard looking back and forth from my ID to me going "Really? Are you sure?". The struggles of a baby face. I had family over for a chilled out day and chocolate cake, so I went for an amped up everyday look.

To prime, I used the bareMinerals Prime Time Neutralising Foundation Primer which is a yellow-toned primer which is great at correcting my skin, which means I can use as little bit less foundation. I then buffed in my NARS Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc which is my one of my favourite foundations. To conceal blemishes, I used NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla and for under my eyes, the MAC Pro Longer in NW15. To set it all, I used the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light which is great at setting my makeup but not mattifying it and letting the finish of the foundation come through. The only blush I've been using at the moment is the Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve. It gives a sheer glow to the cheeks with a subtle hint of colour, I'm obsessed!

To prime my eyelids, I used the NARS Smudge Proof Eye Primer and to neutralise the base I used the MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. I used my Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette to create my eye look. I cannot for the life of my remember what colours I used but it was something really simple. I've been loving the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Corrupt because like it's name, it glides on so smoothly. For mascara, I used my trusty Clinique High Impact Mascara and for eyebrows, I filled them in with my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Whiz in Soft Brown. For my lips I used MAC Lipstick in Mehr which a blue toned neutral pink which is slightly darker than my lips. 

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MOTD | Les Miserables

About a month ago, I went to see Les Miserables with my Mum and my Aunty. Les Miserables is probably one of my favourite musicals, and I love the film. Eddie Redmayne as Marius, swooooooon! Anyway, I thought I give a few new products a go, and used all of the above items. Except my foundation, which I forgot to put in the picture! Oops!

Firstly I primed my skin with the bareMinerals Prime Time Neutralising Foundation Primer. It gives a hint which helps to counteract redness and evens the skin out. For foundation, I used my trusty NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc. I like using this for nights out because it has no SPF. To conceal, I used MAC Prolongwear in NW15 for underneath my eyes, and MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW20 for blemishes. To set that all and give a bit more coverage, I used MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in C2. I used MAC Melba Blush as it gives subtle hint of colour and goes with any eye/lip combo. This blush is definitely a staple in my collection and would be great for anyone starting out with blusher. I then sprayed Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray to make the makeup last longer.

 I filled in my brows with the  Too Faced Bulletproof Brows in Universal Taupe, which is similar to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade. For my eyes, I primed with Too Faced's Shadow Insurance and evened out the colour with MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. I dug into my new  Lorac Pro Palette and used these shades; Cream all over the lid, Taupe in the crease, Nude  in the inner corner, Gold on the centre of the lid, and Pewter  on the outer corner. I'm still learning when it comes to fancy eye looks but I thought I did an alright job. I lined the eyes with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Corrupt. This eye pencil goes on so smoothly, I'm in love! When Urban Decay launches this week in Australia, I'll be picking up some more colours. I coated my lashes with Benefit They're Real Mascara, which does NOT budge. To finish, I used the Australis Velourlips in Doo-bai, which is such a beautiful colour.

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A Huge Haul + ShopandBox Review

Well I think this is the biggest haul I've ever done.  My wish list was getting long, and I had some extra cash from working extra shifts on my holidays. I ended up choosing to get my products from America because it's a bit cheaper and there are some things aren't available in Australia. I had previously bought things through Shipito, but I found that the service was terrible. They had so many extra fees, and so many problems actually just trying to get the products. So this time I was on a hunt for a better shipping forwarding service.

I ended up going with ShopandBox. My experience with them was amazing. You put all the products you want on a wish list, and they'll pick a shopper that best suits your order. They are always communicating everything with you so you know exactly what is going on. My shopper would help me in getting the best value out of my order which was great. And the shipping was super quick. Another good thing is you're able to get things from multiple stores, and they'll combine it all in one package.

I would definitely recommend ShopandBox if your buying things overseas. They don't just ship from America but a few European and Asian countries too.

Have you tried ShopandBox, and what are you're thoughts?

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