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.

The Bronze Eyeshadow Edit

There is nothing I love more to wear than a good simple bronze eyeshadow swept over the lid. Bronze is a shade that everyone can pull off and is great for a daytime look or can be made smokey for a more nighttime look. Even though I have plenty of bronze eye shadows, I can still never resist purchasing one or two on a trip to Mecca Cosmetica.

New Finds At Priceline

I haven't been traipsing around the aisle of Priceline for a while, but a few weeks ago looking for a spot for lunch close to my work, I stumble across one. This is very dangerous being a minutes walk away from one. But at the same time it's a blessing as it doesn't seem too busy so there is always heaps of stock and the first NYX stand I've seen in Perth! So naturally I went looking for a few new things to try out.

Simple Makeup for Work

So exciting news guys, I now have a full time job! Yay! I'm going to talk more about that in a future post but I'm am so chuffed. I finally feel like a real adult now with a stable job. But this adult life entails getting up at 5:30 am to be out the house just before 7 am. Not cool. So I've been sticking to the same products for the last few weeks to have a steady routine. All these products are ones that I know will last on me throughout the day.

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.

My Picks From Maybelline

Maybelline would have to be one of my favourite brands in the drugstore. Their price point is spot on and the quality of most of their products is of a pretty high standard that would rival some of the higher priced brands.Even though I love most of the Maybelline products I've tried, there are some that have disappointed me. But that's not what I am here to talk about today, I'm here to celebrate the products that I love from the brand.

Mini Priceline 40% Off Haul

Empties #8

I want to restructure how I write out my empties posts. I felt like it was a bit tedious and would sometimes be a super long post. I would list each product individually, write my thoughts on them and then say whether I would repurchase them or not. Now, I want to write two sections; one fore repurchases and one fore the products I wouldn't buy again. I feel like the posts will be more concise, and hopefully more likely to be helpful. I link any reviews of the products for a more in depth review. 

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.

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.

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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March Favourites | 2015

Well we're already a quarter of the way through the year, holy moly. I've been back at uni for over a month now and I've been so busy. I've never been this busy before so it's quite overwhelming. I've been trying to cut back on spending as I'm trying to save for a trip to Melbourne in the middle of the year and a trip to Europe at the end of the year! So I haven't been getting a lot of new things, after that big haul I did, so I'm trying to use up a few of my old things before I buy new bits.

Makeup Favourites

I was on the look out for a new mascara a few months ago, and I thought I'd get a Maybelline one because everyone seems to rave about them and I've never tried one. The Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express Mascara stood out to me and I've loved it since day one. I feel like this definitely does give plush lashes as they look a lot fuller than normal. One thing that was huge in the UK when it came out was the Maxfactor Facefinity All Day Primer. I was so excited to see it at Priceline and bought it immediately. It is amazing at keeping foundation on all day. It doesn't really keep the oil at bay but my foundation does not slide off at all. I'm super impressed with this.

I finally caved and bought the MAC Pro Longer Concealer which everyone and their mother seems o rave about. And I love it. It's really similar to my MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer but with more coverage. The only problem is the pump dispenses too much but I can roughly control it, using my focus face! The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light is like no powder I've used before. It's sets my makeup so well, but doesn't alter the finish of the foundation. It also seems to balance out my skin tone which is amazing. I'm definitely hooked on this and I've got my eye on the Ambient Lighting Wardrobe.

Other Favourites

In terms of music, I've been obsessed with Loreen's new single Paper Lights. Loreen is amazing, she was the winner of Eurovision in 2012, and I've been obsessed with her ever since! For TV, I've been watching That 70's Show from the beginning. I think it's a show that no matter when you watch it or in what order, it's always going to be funny. Kitty, Eric's mother, is just the funniest, I love her! Also, I've been rewatching all the Captain America movies and the Avengers one getting ready for the next Avengers movie. I am in love with Chris Evans! Ugh, he is so beautiful! Hopefully you understand me!

What have been your favourites this month?

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Maybelline Colour Drama Instant Velvet Lip Pencils

I'm totally obsessed with lip crayons. They even have their own compartment in my makeup collection. Lucky ducks. I had been itching to get my hands on these ever since they were released in the UK, and finally they're here down under! I picked up the 2 shades Berry Essential, a deep berry shade, and Red Essential, a true classic red. You can see these watched on my lips below. Also, I wasn't intentionally trying to get my lips and shirt to match in the first picture.

        

Berry Much

Red Essential

These were so easy to apply on the lips. They're creamy and easy to sharpen to get a defined point to help with precision. I didn't find them too drying on my lips which is good, but I suggest just using lip balm before and blotting it off before you put the colour on. And for $9.95, you cannot go wrong. With 10 shades in the range, I'm sure you'll be able to find the one for you. I still love my NARS ones but this is a great drugstore option.

Have you tried these yet, and what are your thoughts?

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The First Haul Of The Year

So I actually accomplished my goal for the month of January; no new makeup! So of course I treated myself to some makeup. Which doesn't make sense, but anyway. I had my Priceline voucher to use and there were a few other things I wanted to get.

First up on my trip was to go to Priceline. I picked up two Essie Nail Polishes in the shades Buy Me A Cameo, a rose gold colour, and Chinchilly, a taupe. There was a 3 for 2 deal on Maybelline, so I picked up a new Maybelline Brow Drama and two of the new Maybelline Intense Velvet Lip Pencils in the shades Red Essential and Berry Much. I'm so excited to try these out! Also, we finally got the Maxfactor Facefinity Primer which I'm super happy about. I have high hopes for this little fella!

Next was Lush. I was on a mission to find something to help maximise volume as my hair is very limp. The lovely lady suggested the Sea Spray to add more volume and texture to the hair and the Seanik Shampoo Bar to add volume. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts of those things. It seems that the spray gets mixed reviews, so I'm interested in how it works out for me.

Of course, there was a trip to Mecca Maxima. Both of these things were on my shopping list for the day, so I didn't impulse spend in there. I picked up my second tub of the Origins Ginzing Moisturiser which I love for my skin, and the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub which is my favourite body scrub I've tried so far! The scent is to die for, and refreshing, which is good for the morning hen you need to wake up.

Lastly, was MAC. This was a bit of a treat for me. I intended to get the Russian Red Lipstick as it has been on my wishlist for a long time. The MUA was so lovely there and was having a chat to me about my makeup, and she recommended the Pro Longer Concealer. I caved and got it as I hear so many rave reviews about this concealer so I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

What have been your latest purchases?

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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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MOTD | Silvery Smokey Eye

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Disappointing Products #2

I'm back with another disappointing products. Most of these empties were surprisingly disappointing as I had heard great things about them. Also, please not that the Daisy perfume is not part of this, it's just decoration. How can you not love the original Daisy!?

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
This is still not available in Australia but bought it on All Cosmetics Wholesale. I was excited as some people were saying it is a dupe for Benefit's Porefessional. I gave it a go, but it didn't seem to do anything, it even made my skin oilier. I didn't find it smoothed over my pores as they still looked the same and it didn't help my makeup last either.

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder Transparent
I was so disappointed when this didn't work for me! Everyone and their mothers love this product and I bought it as an emergency powder one day when I left mine at home. I found that it made my makeup look really cake and everything bunched up, especially around my nose. This makes me so sad to say this because I was so excited about trying and using it.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Eye Colour Pencil in Smokey Taupe
When I swatched it on my hand at Priceline, it felt so creamy and the pigmentation was amazing so of course I had to get it. But when I tried it on my eyes at home, it wasn't what I thought it would be. When I applied it to my eyes, it didn't go on as creamy and tugged on my eyelids. Then when I tried to blend it out, it just ended up rubbing the colour off and leaving glitter on my eyelids. So disappointing because the colour is beautiful!

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer
This product for me I do like, but there is one thing that is stopping me from loving it and wearing it. It makes my makeup last longer and doesn't stop the oil coming through, but does slow it down which is good. BUT! The colour of the primer is orange and it doesn't blend well into my skin make my foundation have a tint of orange in it. If it was clear, I would be all over this primer but for now, it's back into hiding it goes.

Have you found anything disappointing lately?

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Doing my Sister's Makeup | Semi Formal

So my sister isn't into makeup, which is totally fine. But whenever she has a special event for school, e.g. her semi formal, I jump at the opportunity to do her makeup. Now I'm no professional but one day I'd like to do a small course on makeup, but for now, my sister is my model, which she isn't too keen on. So when she asked me to do her makeup for her semi formal, I jumped at the chance!

Because she's not into makeup, she lets me have a bit of a free reign but I know she wants something simple. Which is good, because if she asked me to do a cat eye, I would have been screwed because I can't even do one properly on myself. I started off by applying the Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer  to help her makeup stay on during the night. Then I used her BB cream which is the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfecter Daily All-In-One BB Cream in light which matches her well. For concealer, on her face I used the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer  and for under the eyes, I used the Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer. To powder her face I used the M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder to add a bit more coverage. I then added a bit of colour to the cheeks using NARS Powder Blush in Deep Throat. I then used the NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and the M.A.C. Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly to prime her eyes. I got to use my favourites eyeshadows at the moment, the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette.  I used the shade Foxy as an all over base, then Tease in the crease. Then Booty Call  in the inner corners to highlight, Chopper  over the lid with a wet brush to intensify the colour then I used Blackout to subtly line the upper lash line. To finish off, I used her Clinique High Impact Mascara and Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss in Peony.

I wish I had taken a photo because she looked so beautiful and natural, if I do say so myself. I can't wait to do her makeup again.

What are your favourite looks to try on different people.

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August Favourites | 2014

Well August went by quickly, I just want everything to slow down a bit so I can have a breather because life has been so busy lately, especially for uni. But enough of the typical "it's all moving so quickly" intro and on to the favourites.

Firstly, my order off Ulta arrived this month. I only got a few things and the Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer is one of them. I had tried a sample of this from Mecca Cosmetica and immediatly fell in love. I ordered this off Ulta because of the price difference but now that Mecca has dropped its prices, I'll stock up there from now on. This foundation just seems to glide on my skin and blends nicely, with a medium coverage and semi-matte finish. This with the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer is a match made in heaven. The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer has been another favourite of mine this past month. It does such a good job of covering up my under-eye circles and doesn't crease at all.

I tend to stick with the same shampoo for a long time, but this month I tried something new and I've been converted. The Lush I Love Juicy Shampoo is great for my greasy hair. I come out of the shower and my hair feels so clean! I can go up to 3 days now without washing my hair, maybe even 4 with a bit of help from some dry shampoo. But that is pretty amazing for my hair. Lastly, the Clinique High Impact Mascara is a sample that was given to me by my mum. She uses a lot of Clinique products, and waits till they have freebies so she can stock up on her products. I always get the ones she doesn't want, so this time it was the mascara and the makeup bag it came with. It makes my lashes so fluttery and they don't clump at all. I would love to get the full size one when it dries up but I don't know if I can justify the price tag when you can get some amazing drugstore mascaras.

What have been your favourites this month?

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