Friday, December 16, 2011

BellaBox December!

It's halfway through December... 10 days until Christmas and i've not done a thing!

I did manage to however go to the post office and pick up the December BellaBox and film a video for you :) Enjoy! As always see below for info on the prodz in the box.




Contents as per information card in the box

Savior Faire Concealer Pack - RRP $35AUD (full size received in box)

This concealer and finishing powder will provide you with a flawless finish that is locked in and the unique light and creamy texture is perfect for the warmer months.

Ozotic Elytra #530 - RRP $14.95AUD (full size received in box)

We went to the nail experts to find this brand, the formula is outstanding and this new glitter range changes colour from orange to pink to green, it's best worn over a black base coat. 

Elemis Enzyme Peel or Pro Collagen Quartz Lift Mask (3ml Sample of the Mask received)

The peel contains fruit enzymes to immediately brighten and clarify the complexion simply use to exfoliate your skin. The mask is an at home facial that works instantly to uplift the skin.

Kosmea Rose Water Spray - RRP $14.95AUD (Full size 50mls received)

Gentle, soothing, cooling and hydrating. The fine facial mist refreshes and hydrates tired and weary skin when you're sitting in the office, travelling or rushing around the shops.

Eyelure Naturalite Intense Lash - 140 - RRP $11.95AUD (One set received)

Eyelure Naturalites Intense Lashes #140 are both lengthy and full, adding that va-va-voom to your natural lashes. These gorgeous lashes are made for day or night time use while being easy to apply.

Overall Thoughts... WOWZA! 4 out of the 5 products this month were full size which is beyond amazing! I also like that BellaBox are including products from not so heard of brands. Looking forward to using the nail polish (tonight!) and the concealer looks interesting to me as well.

If you're interested in subscribing to BellaBox, it's a $14.95/month fee to receive a box of 5 or so deluxe samples (or in some cases like this box, full size products)

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The 1st Australian Glossybox!

I wouldn't normally publish 2 of the same sort of post in one day, heck let's be honest I very rarely do 2 posts a day anyway! However I kind of wanted to share this straight away and couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Glossybox is new to Australia, well sort of! The Beauty Box basically turned into Glossybox and what a makeover... I am so pleased with the contents of this box, it is probably the best one i've opened so far (and i've opened a few!).

What's inside... Watch below!



Or read about it here :)



The contents as per the information card & details of what size samples & colours received.

Jurlique - Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm & Lift Cream - 5ml Sample

This high performance anti ageing cream is designed to help promote the regeneration of elastin, collagen and new skin cells. RRP $90AUD for 50mls

Bio Oil - 60ml Full Size

Bio-Oil is a specialist skincare oil that is effective for ageing as well as dehydrated skin. Also applicable for scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tones. RRP $14.95AUD/60ml, $24.95/125ml, $34.95/200ml

Essie Nail Colour - Super Bossa Nova - 5ml 

It's all about daring, sexy colour with this super-chic collection inspired by the seductive beauty of Brazil. RRP $18.95AUD

Mirenesse 3D Forever Gloss - Geisha - Full Size

Mirenesse 3D Forever Gloss is filled with botanical moisturisers and antioxidants to give you hydrated and beautifully cushioned lips day and nights RRP $39.95AUD

Lily Loves Pearl Polish Me Rejuvenating Facial Exfoliant - Full Size

The gentle polishing beads remove surface impurities, pollution, make-up and dead skin cells to visibly improve skin texture, leaving your face fresh, smooth and radiant. RRP $36.00AUD

With 3 full size products I was beyond wow'ed! I am interested to see if this is consistent or just a big welcome into the Glossybox club... time will tell!

You can subscribe to Glossybox for $14.95/month

 

BellaBox November - Contents & Video

Another day another beauty subscription box!

This is the 2nd offering from BellaBox, this months offering is all about international cult brands, many of which i've never even heard of!

To see me in action opening the box for the first time watch below! If your time poor or can't be assed watching me ramble, see below for deets of what came in this months box.





Contents of the box (as per information card provided, so their words not mine!)

Lancome Visionnaire - 5ml Sample

The innovation, Visionnaire is the 1st skincare with LR 2412, a molecule designed to penetrate throughout all the layers of the skins epidermis, triggering a range of micro transformations. RRP $115AUD for 30mls

Erborian - 3 x 1.5ml Samples 

From Korean pharmacopeia, Erborian has selected in priority energizing and detoxifying herbs, to stimulate metabolism and speed up the microcirculation. The result: Natural anti-fatigue and strong anti-ageing properties. BB Creme 45mls RRP $59AUD, Ginseng Total Eye 15mls RRP $55AUD, Yuza Sorbet 50mls $59AUD, Elixir Au Ginseng 30mls $98AUD

Gatineau Melatogenine Force Collagene

The Anti-Wrinkle performance booster combined with Melatogenine, triple action "Force Collagen" technology (Procollagen + collagen-protect + collagen) helps stimulate the strength, vitality and longevity of collagen fibers. RRP $150AUD for 30mls

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) Lip Tar (Colour: Interlace) - 8ml (Full Size)

A stunning new innovation in lip colour, OCC Lip Tar combines the longevity of a lipstick, with the ease of application of a gloss. RRP $16AUD

Orofluido - 5ml Sample Size

Heavenly indulgence for Hair, Orofluido is a luxurious and unusual concotion of Argan Oil, Cyperus Oil and Linseed Oil, each producing it's own beautifying properties. RRP $49.95AUD for Elixir 100ml & Mask 250ml.

Twistband 

These chic hair ties from California keep hair secure without snagging or leaving ugly creases. RRP $5.95AUD (pack of 3)

If your interested in subscribing the BellaBox is a monthly fee of $14.95 (shipping is included)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Manicure Monday! Summer is Here! (almost)

Only a few days are left of Spring and then it's Summer (haha that could be a new Rebecca Black song, it was worded so well...)

This is a mani I did yonks ago and posted on instagram (follow me! vulcanella is my username) it was inspired by a warm sydney day and i'm pretty sure it matched my outfit on the day too.

What I used -

OPI - What's With The Cattitude (Main Colour) - RRP $19.95AUD (It was from the Shrek collection and is sometimes still found at OPI stockists)

Picture Polish - Coral Reef (Accent Nail) - $RRP 9.90AUD from their website

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Yankee Candle smelly review time!

I loooove candles, so much so that mum and I make them. We are on a mini hiatus at the moment though, so these candles couldn't have come at a better time since i'd run out of my own ones.

I'd heard of Yankee Candle quite a bit and had read various reviews on the candles and the company itself, I always sniff their candles when I see them in little knick knackey home stores (that's where I've usually found them). However now you can purchase them in Australia on their own online store  there is no need to try and track them down in said knick knack stores!

I was sent 2 candles to try out from the Aromatherapy Spa Range.

Cinnamon & Frankincense - Stress Relief

3 x 4 Pillar Candle - RRP $19.95AUD



From the website - Guided by ancient knowledge and modern research, our master aromatherpists have carefully created this blend of pure essential oils, the most potent form of a plant's aroma. Infused with warming Cinnamon and meditative Frankincence, this comforting formula helps ease stress and promotes deep relaxation.

Now i'm terrrrrrible at describing scents but I found this was the kind of scent I'd usually smell walking into Tree of Life (it must be the Frankincense). The scent also has a warming spicey smell to it (Cinnamon obviously). This is the perfect scent when it's cold outside and you want to feel warm and cozy. I can't say it worked for stress relief but I can vouch that the smell is strong enough that I was burning it outside when we had a bbq and you could still smell it. Good test! I haven't burnt it all the way down yet but I burnt it for a good 4-5hrs and it only made a small dint in the top of the candle. I also think this is a perfect Christmas scent!

 

Tangerine & Vanilla - True Bliss

3 x 4 Pillar Candle - RRP $19.95AUD



 

From the website - Guided by ancient knowledge and modern research, our master aromatherpists have carefully blended Tangerine and Vanilla pure essential oils, the most potent form of a plant's aroma, to create a formula that produces a feeling of blissful wellbeing.

This is my absolute favourite of the 2, the combination of Tangerine and Vanilla is absolutely delicious smelling! I was always told using Vanilla with another scent just brings it to life. It's so true in this case. Its zingy/citrusy with a slight creaminess from the Vanilla. What I love is that it's a comforting smell for the colder nights but it's also fresh enough to use when the weather is slightly warmer or you just want your house smelling nice and fresh. The scent isn't overpowering, I personally sometimes find citruses a bit too much and they sometimes give me a headache. This is the perfect balance! One I think i'll be purchasing in a larger size!

Overall I really like these candles, I'd like to try out the jar styles I think as I do prefer them to pillar candles (less mess etc). I've also heard good things about the tarts which are what I prefer using to candles in the warmer months.

If you'd like to check out the website and order some yummy smelling candles, Click Here!

These products were provided for my review from the PR Company. Please read my disclosure statement if you'd like more information.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, November 21, 2011

Manicure Monday! Ulta3 Frangipani

It's back! No I don't mean the Chicken Dijon at the Coronation Club (tee hee how I love inside jokes..)

Here's another Manicure Monday after somewhat a slack undertaking to keep it going by myself... I take pictures and forget to post them then they become irrelevent to me.

So onto this colour, this is from the new summer collection that Ulta3 have bought out. I don't know why but I felt like something different on my nails and thought i'd give it a whirl. While I think the colour is pretty rad, the formula ain't! It was streaky, messy and plain blah. In all honesty I was rushing doing my nails this morning when I put this on but even still it was a big ol' mess. Plus after 2 coats theres a VNL (visible nail line) which I'm not a fan of.

Oh well a brand can't be perfect everytime can they? So overall... Colour = Winner.. Formula = Loser

The Details! Ulta3 can be found at various pharmacies around Australia for a RRP $2.50AUD





This product was provided to me as part of The ABBW, please read my disclosure policy for more details.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Becca Lip & Cheek Creme - Tuberose (not gonna lie, it's awesome!)

This post has been inspired by Angela from Beauty Blogged, she's recently started making YouTube videos (go subscribe, she's awesome and tells it like it is!). In her recent video she mentioned she wants to get glowing cheeks from a blush and asked for recommendations. I commented with this recommendation but then thought...it's one of my favourite items in my makeup collection it really deserves a blog post all of it's own.

I picked this blush up when I got my makeup done at the Becca counter by Nic from Pixiwoo (you can see my blog post about the makeover here) she said she loved this blush and put it on every client she saw that day and she was even wearing it herself. Tuberose is a pinky/peach so I knew as soon as I saw it I had to have it!

Loving a colour is one thing though right? I had no idea how awesome and how easily it blended and melted into my skin, gave a perfect flush and simply makes me look more awake. The formula is quite thin which is why it is so easy to blend and use (I just use my fingers), it's quite pigmented too so only a small amount is needed to get that flushed look. Oh you can also use it on your lips, but personally I found it a little drying.

Enough of my rambling about how awesome this is, I clearly love it! Here are some pictures of said awesomeness :)







The Details! RRP $46.00AUD Becca is available at David Jones, Adore Beauty and Becca also has an online store.

I also thought i'd list the products I used in my picture as well if anyone is interested :)

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel in 52 (Vanilla) RRP $32.00AUD/ Illamasqua Skin Base in 07 (mixed together) RRP $65.00AUD

Face of Australia Liquid Eyeliner in Black RRP $8.95AUD*

Maybelline Colossal Volum Express Mascara in Black RRP $19.50AUD

Becca Cheek & Lip Creme in Tuberose RRP $46.00AUD

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Melonade RRP $21.95AUD (I don't think this is available anymore)

Items marked with * were provided for my consideration. For further information please read my Disclosure Policy.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Haute Giveaway! Check out Ms Haute & Stylish

Annica from Haute & Stylish has reached a milestone, 150 followers! You go girl! She's holding an awesome giveaway for her 150th person birthday (is that what you'd call it?)

I don't usually post other peoples giveaways, however this is completely selfish and I want me a $200 Alannah Hill voucher :P

What would I buy...

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="Poke Her Cardigan - http://www.alannahhill.com.au"][/caption]

If you want to be in the running to win not only a $200 voucher but also a YSL Rouge Volupte lippie in "Fetish Pink"

Head on over HERE

Otherwise... don't... I want to win :P

 

Revlon New Complexion Oil-Control Foundation & HUGE REVLON SALE! HUGE! It needs caps...

Around a month ago I was lucky enough to be invited by Revlon to join other beauty bloggers and have brunch at Bondi Icebergs...such a hard life we sometimes lead hey ;)

We were invited to come bare faced (eek!) and have a before and after photoshoot to be featured on ninemsn (little ol' me? on ninemsn?). With the after being once the new Revlon New Complexion Oil-Control Foundation had been applied by the Revlon makeup artists and we had a full face on again. I braved the naked face look (except for a little tinted moisturiser & masacara. I did the best I could!)

You can check out all the beauty bloggers before and afters on this page...Clicky Click Click.. don't expect to find anything ghastly though, everyone is just as gorge bare faced as they are with slap on!

Here is a little screen grab of my before and after -

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="522" caption="image taken from ninemsn.com.au"][/caption]

 

A little beauty blogger happy snap :) featuring. Lilit, Sara-May, Miss Chew, Chelle & Moi! Ahhh how lovely is that background!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="Image from Matthew Di Muro"][/caption]

Let's talk about the foundation!

 



When the foundation was applied on me at the event the makeup artist said that it suited my skin well and just blended in. Woot!

I thought it felt light on my skin which is perfect for the upcoming warmer months. Not to mention this foundation has SPF 20! Again, making it perfect for summer (still apply your sunscreen though). What trumps it? It's oil control formula makes sure you don't get that shine throughout the day (not glow, shine...there is a difference). No need to powder either, this baby dries to a nice matte finish.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="412" caption="Revlon New Complexion Oil Control Makeup - Buff 02"][/caption]

When first applied it stayed well throughout the day and I didn't notice any caking, my skin tends to be on the drier side and it didn't accentuate any flakies which is my main problem when it comes to finding a good foundation, It was love...

Well that was until I used it again last week, my skin has been going through a bit of a nightmare of late (thanks to a product i've been trialling...eep!) and it's been dryer then usual so when I used the foundation on my skin last week unfortunately throughout the day it did cake and accentuate the dryness in my skin. So I don't know if this is the best choice foundation if you do have super dry skin, however with a really good moisturiser/primer combo you could be sweet! When my skin is normal, it loves the foundation!

Coming in at a super reasonable price tag of $24.95AUD (I think this is actually Revlons cheapest foundation) It's accessible for most budgets, and you know what this would be a perfect option for someone just getting into makeup (ie a teenager).

My only gripe with the product is the packaging, while I like the new look white cap (it even matches my iphone! *apple nerd alert*). I'm not a fan of these pour out style bottles, you waste so much product. Revlon... pump pump pump!

I ended up taking my own (non professional of course haha) picture of the foundation, the colour I was sent is Buff which may be a bit too light coming into the warmer months but come winter it'll be perfect!



You can pick this up from the usual Revlon stockists (Priceline, Target, Kmart, Big W, Pharmacies etc) for RRP $24.95AUD

NOW DO YOU WANT ANOTHER BARGAIN?

If you're in Sydney, or even visiting Sydney this weekend and you love Revlon... why not check out this sale? I'm hoping I can make it there myself!



I was invited as a guest of Revlon and provided with a bottle of foundation for review.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Health/Fitness Journey!

I thought what better time to write a big of a update on how my little health/fitness journey is going then while my abs are burning from my workout last night. I want to start doing more of these sorts of posts because it motivates me to do well and be able to write about doing well and also I spend so much time on it and that's why the other parts of my blog have been lacking lately.

I started my journey in December last year, so it's almost been a year.... and let me tell you it's the longest i've ever stuck to a fitness routine.  I've upped my sessions throughout the year with my personal trainer, I now do all my sessions in a group with the PT and I do 4 a week but every session is different.

My current routine -

Monday - Outdoor Kettlebell Training (it's usually abs and legs)

Tuesday - Rest! Wooo!

Wednesday - Outdoor Kettlebell Training (Chest, Upper Body)

Thursday - Fight Club! (Kickboxing, MMA etc)

Friday/Saturday - Rest (I should really do SOMETHING in here though...C25K is my plan!)

Sunday - Heavylifting weights session

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="image taken from pinterest.com"][/caption]

So my downfall... FOOD!... cravings, going out & sometimes general laziness means not so good food choices.

I have really overhauled my diet from what it was and I always try and stick to a diet of no carbs at night (no white carbs anytime of day really), fresh/clean food as much as possible, lean protein, good fats etc. I'm human and sometimes I slip, I do think allowing yourself a cheat once a week is a good idea and something I definitely try and do.

For example, my general daily food is as follows -

Breakfast - Small bowl of Healtheries Apple & Cinnamon Bircher Muesli

Lunch - Chicken/Fish & Salad or Mad Mex Naked Burrito

Dinner - Chicken/Steak/Fish with Salad or Vegetables

Snacks - Nut bars, Almonds, Apples, Green Tea, Cottage Cheese, Corn Thins (during the day only), Natural Yoghurt, Strawberries/Berries, Pickles (call me Snooki), Cheese, Olives, Protein Shakes/Bars

Motivation is the other key, I find that since I have actual sessions I need to go to even if i'm feeling crappy and don't want to (example last night, was hot and gross and I would have been happy to sit on the couch) I will go because I really have no excuse not to.  Also having my boyfriend doing the same sessions with me we motivate each other as well.

My progress so far, I still have a long way to go! I have dropped a size and am a comfortable size 14 at the moment :)

I don't weigh myself too often because I am focusing a lot on building muscle as well, but I randomly stepped on the scales at the gym the other day and noticed i've lost another 4kgs since my last assessment in August. I have an assessment coming up with all my measurements etc so will try and update how I went with that too :)

GOAL - Drop another size by February... I can do it!

I hope you don't mind that i've gone off from the regular beauty reviews for this post but it is something I do dedicate a lot of my time to and where my head is at right now.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Lust Have It - November Box

Well here we are in November and the first of my sample boxes for the month have arrived from Lust Have It!

Want to see what's in the box? Check out my video below -

Or if you can't be ass'd watching me ramble on, laugh at a hazelnut and struggle to open packaging then here's a cheat/quick rundown!



Contents (information is as per the card provided in the box)

ROC - Complete Lift NEW Technology Daily Moisturiser (3 x 5ml Samples)

This moisturising cream is enriched with hydrating agents for comfort lasting all day long. THPE technology, a patented molecule, the result of five years of research, which targets skin firming, is now partnered with Bugrane, offering a new lift and fix technology. Bugrane (Restharrow) is a wild plant root extract which plumps and hydrates the skin. The skin appears dense and more supple. RRP 50ml - $59.00AUD

Nude By Nature - Lip Liner in Chique Natural Mineral Lipliner (Full size product)

To stand out, you need to draw the line! 100% natural and with no toxic ingredients, the velvety formula glides on smooth & easy to deliver long-wearing, water proof colour. Ingredients - Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea) leaf, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Simmondsia Chineses (Jojoba Oil) Oil. RRP $14.95AUD

Lancome - Tresor Midnight Rose (2 x 1.5ml Sample Sprays)

Lancome tells a new love story, filled with lightness, magic, but also sensuality. Tresor Midnight Rose is a colourful, upbeat and joyful fragrance which embodies a mischievous femininity.

From the first moment, it's love at first sight between deep rose absolute and vibrant, raspberry. Next is jasmine and peony meet fresh blackcurrant bud absolute and intense pink pepper. And for the final touch of seduction, Virginia cedar essence, vanilla and musk warm up the floral notes. 30ml RRP $79.00AUD

Hawley International - Miracle Shine 2 Step Miracle Nail Shiner

This revolutionary professional buffer that gives women fabulous looking nails in seconds. Works equally brilliantly on all nail types natural, polished and acrylic.

Quick and easy two steps. Create the ultimate shine. Green side prepares and removes. White side Shines. RRP $6.95AUD

Kerastase - Nectar Thermique

For the first time, heat becomes an ally for dry hair. Rich in essential element, Royal Jelly Extract is a key ingredient which intensifies nutrition and creates ultimate softness. Thermo-protective ingredient, Gluco-Sleek helps protect the hair fibre from the damaging effects of heat-styling. Spread a hazelnut-sized amount of Nectar Thermique through the lengths and ends of bathed, towel-dried hair. Do not rinse, style with heat device.

Hair is instantly nourished, Hair is protected from the damaging effects of heat styling, Facilitates the easy glide of the brush or smoothing iron for shape styling, Smoothing action and frizz control for a silk-like feel. 150ml RRP $39.50AUD

 

Monday, October 31, 2011

Lip Quickie! featuring Revlon Cherries In The Snow

Yesterday I mentioned how I was trying to go through my backlog of swatches etc I did yonks ago, well here is another!

Firstly, I apologize but this lippie isn't readily available at the usual Revlon stockists I believe it was a limited edition but it certainly is available on Ebay for a couple of bucks!

I first saw this lipstick on one of Cami Loves Kiwi's videos (check out her channel, she is awesome!) and while our colourings may not be similar the colour was just so beautiful I wanted to have it in my collection. It's just the most gorgeous deep raspberry colour and so perfect for winter, It needed to be mine.

So you can imagine my excitement while out on a trip to Paddy's Markets with the boyfriend looking for Transformers accessories for his car, I made him stop to look at the beauty stands which generally sell discontinued items pretty cheap and there it was amongst a bunch of other Revlon lippies.. CHERRIES IN THE SNOW!! wheeeeeeeeeee! So I hauled ass to the sales person and paid my $7 for it, yep $7!

So here it is in all it's glory! There is also a matching nail polish as well but I do think that is a permanent item with Revlon.







 

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Smokey Eye feat. SAX Cosmetics

I'm finally trying to get through a backlog of photos I took months and months ago with the intention of blogging them all then, but that didn't happen! So here we go... from the vault :)

SAX cosmetics is a brand i'd never really heard of before, I was sent a lovely package from Sweaty Betty PR containing a bunch of SAX goodies and I thought the best way to showcase some of the products was to do a complete eye look featuring 3 of the products I received.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="The goods - SAX Creme Precision Eyeliner, SAX Wonderlash Dramatic Volume Mascara & SAX Eye Lux Eyeshadow Quintette"][/caption]

SAX Creme Precision Eyeliner - Platinum - RRP $12.95AUD

When I opened this eyeliner up I was so excited about the colour, it's a colour I don't have in my collection and grey/silver colours work really well with my blue eyes. Even swatched the colour is absolutely gorgeous.

Unfortunately, being an awesome colour just wasn't enough. I found the pencil to be quite hard and it dragged along my skin which is not something I enjoy when it comes to applying eyeliner because that area is so sensitive.





SAX Wonderlash Dramatic Volume Mascara - RRP $17.50AUD

Mascara... Oh how I love what thee does to my eyes! I'm a pretty simple girl when it comes to what I look for in a mascara. I like it to give me a bit of length, a bit of volume, be black and not flake during the day.

Being that this mascara is a Volumising mascara means I won't get the length I like but if the volume is there then thats enough. This mascara is nice, but not mindblowing. I will definitely continue to use it until it's finished but it won't replace my love of other mascaras...read Maybelline Colossal Volume & Covergirl Lashblast.

SAX Eye Lux Eyeshadow Quintette - Smokey Denim - RRP $14.95AUD

I love palettes! Yep i'm a lazy girl who likes her colours pretty much picked out for me so I don't have to think about what i'm going to pair with what. The Smokey Denim palette comes with all the colours you need to complete a smokey eye look, featuring a matte black, shimmery gray, shimmery blue and a couple of highlight colours it makes your smokey eye a total no brainer.

While these colours aren't right up there with the most pigmented eyeshadows i've used (MAC, Inglot, Urban Decay) what I did find is they were an absolute dream to blend and work with, so for the novice make up applyee (haha i love making up words) these are a good starting point. I do recommend getting some decent brushes though, sorry but the sponge tip applicator they put in these palettes are rubbish.





Now if we put all of these products together what do we get, the following smokey eye! I used all of the shadows in the palette, the eyeliner and the mascara, I also know i'm not the best at applying makeup but it's fun to try a few new looks sometimes :)





SAX Cosmetics can be purchased from various Pharmacies in Australia.

Please note these products were provided for my consideration, for more information please read my disclosure policy.

Monday, October 10, 2011

September Favourites

Hello world! I filmed a September favourites on the weekend so have a looksie if you are interested in seeing what I was loving in September!

 

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Cheap & Cheerful! NYX Trio in Nude/Taupe/Dark Brown

What feels like a gazillion years ago I placed a pretty massive order through Cherry Culture for a bunch 'o' Nyx products and i'm still making my way through all the stuff I got. It was cheap, There was a discount code...you know how the story goes!

I purchased a few different eye products of theres including a few trios, this one is by far my favourite of the ones I did pick and the others have now moved onto new homes where I hope they are being loved and appreciated. Of course the one I love the most is the most neutral trio I purchased... typical!

So let's get into the nitty gritty, these shadows are pretty awesome. They blend easily, are quite pigmented and last on the lid (with primer of course). The colours work perfectly together for what I like to call a "work eye" and that's exactly what I mainly use this palette for, keeping my super shimmery/glittery shadows for nights out.

On the look i've done here i've done a wash with the lightest colour (nude), put (taupe) in the crease and (dark brown) in the outer corner. While this isn't the most dramatic look it is really perfect for the office.

At time of posting this trio is available on Cherry Culture for $5.99USD & Crush Cosmetics for $11.25AUD

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="NYX Cosmetics Eyeshadow Trio - Nude, Taupe & Dark Brown"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="NYX Cosmetics Eyeshadow Trio - Nude (That little smash in the corner was made by me)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="NYX Eyeshadow Trio - Taupe"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="NYX Eyeshadow Trio - Dark Brown"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="On the eyes with no flash"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="On the eyes - with flash"][/caption]

Have you tried and loved any NYX products? I personally think they are a great brand for such a low price point! It's such a shame it isn't so readily available to us in Australia.

 

Monday, October 3, 2011

ABBW2011... IMATS 2011... What a weekend!!!

Okay it's been a whole week now and i've come down from the high and also recovered from the weekend that was made up of awesome!

If you didn't read my previous post I attended IMATS as well as the first ever Australian Beauty Blogger Weekend along with 85 other bloggy buddies! all of whom I didn't get a chance to meet, networking is hard yo! To those who I did meet it was wonderful meeting you and hopefully if this becomes a yearly thing I will slowly get through and meet every single blogger! :)

The weekend kicked off with our first activity being IMATS! wooo! Shopping time! I'll be posting a haul video soon, i didn't pick up as much as I did last year and I think that had a lot to do with there being a ton more people there then last year so it was a bit harder to get to some stands.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="545" caption="Me with Angie from An Obsession With The Fabulous & Julie (aka Teacup) from Beauty Snippets, with a much needed Starbucks fix!"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="Madness at the Inglot stand!"][/caption]

I did manage to get my first Inglot palette, which I will share in my haul video :)

Oh look who Angie and I bumped into! It's Pursebuzz!



After a bit of shopping we got pampered and fed in the Royal and Langnickel suite provided especially for us! Boy were we spoilt!

Stay tuned for more posts on the amazingness that was the Australian Beauty Blogger weekend!

Images taken by Liz Giacco for The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend, and are not to be reproduced, republished or reused without inclusion of this credit. Images remain the property of The Australian Beauty Bloggers Weekend.

 

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Exciting weekend ahead! IMATS & ABBW 2011

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll probably have noticed i've been using a certain hashtag a lot #ABBW2011 that's because IT'S HERE! Well almost here! Maybe you're wondering what #ABBW2011 is?

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="image from www.theabbw.com"][/caption]

Let me enlighten you.

It's the super dooper Australian Beauty Blogger Weekend which has been organized by megaminds Kimmi of The Plastic Diaries & Jacie of You've Got Nail many many months of preperation have gone into the weekend and i'm one of the 85 beauty bloggers attending. Simply? I...CAN'T...WAIT! It's going to be a full on weekend with keynotes, events and general flitting about meeting other beauty bloggers. Follow me on Twitter for updates all weekend!

What's even better is is co-incides with the makeup mecca for all makeup fans, IMATS (International Make Up Artist Trade Show). Don't let the name fool you, you don't need to be a Make Up Artist to attend, hell I hardly know what half of the THOUSANDS of brushes you can buy there do but if they feel nice and look pretty sure enough they'll end up in my basket.

If you would like to attend IMATS, anyone can go! It will cost you a few bux though $40 for a 1 day pass and $65 for a two day pass. It is worth it when you see brands like Make Up Forever with a 40% discount. You can purchase tickets at the door or on the website.

I attended IMATS last year, so i'm a seasoned IMATS professional *obviously* so here are a few quick suggestions to make your day wonderful!

  • Check out what brands are going to be there and maybe make a plan to visit the places you plan to buy from first, some things do sell out quite quickly. My plan of attack was hit the OCC lip tars first and i'm glad I did because an hour later the colours I snapped up were gone.

  • Have a look at the schedule of speakers and see if there is someone you simply can't miss. Sometimes seating is limited so it's worth getting there a bit earlier.

  • Make sure you check out all the amazing makeup artists at work around the show, in particular the special effects artists!

  • Wear comfortable shoes

  • Take cash where possible, and try and set yourself a bit of a budget otherwise it can get a bit out of hand with the spending (unless you have oodles of cash to spend)

  • Say Hi to any of the beauty bloggers if you see us wandering about! We don't bite...hard :)

  • BRUSHES! Buy brushes! They are cheap and great quality! See what's missing in your stash now and make a list of what you might need, there are a shit load so it might get overwhelming seeing them all and you'll forget what you need and end up with a brush you won't ever use.

  • Give something a go you've never tried before... perhaps a crazy glitter or a really bright pigmented eyeshadow!




[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="467" caption="Image from weheartit.com"][/caption]


Hope that has helped!

I also posted last year about my IMATS experience so check that out HERE including a video of my haul.

IMATS is on Saturday & Sunday (24th & 25th of September, 2011)

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Lust Have It Box #2 - Open box video

Here I am with another open box video, hope you enjoy these as I enjoy making them! My apologies for the quality and the out of syncness (new word!) not quite sure what was going on with my webcam, maybe the warm Sydney weather has confused it somewhat!



 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Revlon Top Speed Nail Polishes & Glam Vans!

 

I was recently invited to attend a fashion show and sit front row (wowza!) as part of 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty. The show presented by Revlon Top Speed was all about the springs hottest upcoming trend, colour blocking! Now i'm no fashion blogger and still don't think i deserve front row at a fashion show but I do know one thing. The colour blocking trend is hot! Not so sure I could pull it off myself but see below for my own personal way of colour blocking...kind of :)

Now I did my blogger duty and took photos at the fashion show but guess what, my camera had a bitch fit and i've lost the photos :(

Instead I have my own version of colour blocking and some pretty rad coloured polishes from Revlon to show you instead.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamels in - Sheer Cotton, Chili, Electric, Royal & Jelly"][/caption]

I found these polishes did live up to the name and were a quick dry polish, great news for girls on the go! I found the formula to Sheer Cotton needs a few coats to build up but if you enjoy sheer polishes it would be fine for you, I also found this one was a little streaky whereas all the other applied really smoothly and easily for me. Faves are definitely Chili & Jelly and Electric is a bit of fun!

Now ready for my colour block/skittle mani!





Now you can get your hands (haha get it?) on a free manicure and possibly a free bottle of nail polish! FREE!!

The Revlon Top Speed Glam Vans are making their way around Sydney see below for details! If you do manage to get along i'd love to see your mani, maybe they'll do a skittle mani for you :)

The Revlon Top Speed Glam Vans will appear in 4 popular Sydney locations and will be offering free mini manis-  as well as giving away full size nail polishes to everyone who ‘checks in’ via Facebook!

 

The Revlon Glam Vans will be located at:

 

Customs House Forecourt, Alfred Street - Friday 16 September 4:00- 8:00pm

 

Bondi Pavilion Forecourt - Sunday 18 September, 12:00- 4:00pm

 

Cockle Bay Wharf - Friday 23 September, 5:00- 9:00pm

 

Cockle Bay Wharf - Friday 30 September, 5:00- 9:00pm

Items were provided for my consideration and I was invited to the show as a guest of Revlon. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Video: Beauty Box #1 - Open the box video!

I've just received another one of the beauty sample boxes i've subscribed to, this time it was Beauty Box!

If you're subscribed and don't want to be spoilt... MOVE ALONG! DO NOT WATCH!

Otherwise enjoy :)

Some info for you -

Subscription is $14.95AUD / month

They are still taking orders for the September box so if you like what's inside, go and subscribe!

Visit the Beauty Box website for more information

Friday, September 9, 2011

Illamasqua Theatre Of The Nameless Collection & Mini Skin Base Review!

I was lucky enough to go to Illamasqua on Monday night and get a preview of their new collection with a bunch of other Sydney Beauty Bloggers and as always at Illamasqua events, there were lots of oooohhs and aaahhhs.

This new collection is amazing, I didn't think it could get much better after Toxic Nature but well yep they did it again. Once again the imagery for the collection is exquisite and I urge you to click through to the website and have a look at the pictures yourself. Clickey Here!

So what was amazing? The polishes... oh my stars! They are this cool rubber like texture, not really a matte finish (which i'm not a huge fan of) but they look like rubber. The story about them also was kind of cool, the colours were based on the different colour boots prostitutes wore back in the day to show what their fetishes were, only Illamasqua would come up with colours based on such an inspiration but I guess that's why we love them! Outside the box people!

They also delved into the world of shimmery blush and well, keep going and delve further because this is one girl who loves her shimmer & glitter! The colour Ambition is in the pinky-peach vain that I'm a big fan of and is such a colour that is wearable on so many skin tones.

Even though this is a autumn/winter collection, I think the colours are all wearable for spring.

Some photos of course!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="zee collection"][/caption]



The polishes! Don't you love the new matte/rubber style lid. I believe this is only for this collection but it's so darn sexy I wish they'd do them all like that.



Our lovely host Mandi's skittle manicure using all the new colours, see the finish!



Bloggers rocking bold lips, these girls pull it off so well! Lilit, Jen & Adeline.



My goodies I got to take home! Nail Varnish in Faux Pas (swatches to come!) & Pure Pigment in Berber. My one gripe with Illamasqua is the packaging on the pure pigments, so hard to open! I almost always break a nail doing it.



Swatch of Pure Pigment in Berber, amazing red colour with a green glitter through it. I've tried to show it as best I can. On the 2nd swatch I put it over a green base to try and bring out that glitter even more. Such a cool colour! I'll have to get creative thinking of a way to wear this one!

We also had an opportunity on the night to get colour matched for the new Skin Base foundation. I'd been curious and heard mixed reviews on it but from what i'd heard and the idea coming from BB creams I really wanted to give it a go, so I bought one. I was colour matched to No.7. I've only been wearing it a few days but so far i'm loving it! The texture is beautiful, it just melts into the skin and makes my skin look like my skin but better.

The coverage is also great and it builds up really easily. As for the wear it actually wears pretty well, by the end of the day i'm a little oily around my nose and my chin but a bit of powder fixes that right up. I'm also finding my skin at the end of the day feels much nicer then usual as well. I've taken a photo of me wearing it as well just to show the coverage/finish etc.





My mug!

Thanks to Mandi, Mikele, Francis & the team at Illamasqua for inviting me!

Please note products shown were provided for my consideration, except the Skin Base foundation which I bought on the night. Please read my disclosure policy if you'd like any further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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