January Favourites!

This was uploaded to YouTube awhile ago but I thought i'd also do a little matching blog post as well! Here are the things I was loving in January -

Nature's Way Multi-Vitamin - VitaGummies - RRP $22.95AUD

I hate swallowing tablets and have you seen the size of regular multi vitamins? Nah Uh! These are like a little treat twice a day and are beneficial for you. I'll be honest the after taste is freakin rancid but I can deal.

MAC Creme Blush (Now known as Cremeblend) - Ladyblush - RRP $41.00AUD

This is an old favourite of mine and the old formula. I haven't tried the new ones to see if they are any different but I love this! However for a cheaper option check out the NYX Cream Blushes, for the price they are amaaaaaze.

Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder - Natural - RRP $11.40AUD

Go buy this now! This stuff is an absolute bargain and gives the most natural finish. It also has a little coverage so I find it nice over my tinted moisturisers/BB creams I wear on weekends. It also photographs well (must for any beauty blogger). This has been likened as a dupe for the MAC Studio Fix powder, I used to use MAC Mineralize Skin Finish and thought that was the bomb.com but this baby is my new holy grail.

OPI Nail Lacquer - Samoan Sand - RRP $19.95AUD

I never thought i'd be into nude polishes, but after Chelle recommend this to me I feel I might sway towards more nudes. Looks amazing on my pale skin and is such a nice base for gradient nails/nail features etc. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 - Tease - Unavailable in Australia but you can purchase from http://www.beautybay.com

I don't really need to say much because most people own this palette. I'm loving Tease at the moment in my crease, it's such a gorgeous taupe that leans towards purple and brings out my blue eyes.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids - RRP $16.95AUD

You might want to check out my review and then go and try these. Since then I've also managed to pick up another 2 colours (hooked!). I'll post swatches etc on here soon because I know these are going to be popular lippies, I want them all!!

Too Faced Foil Liner - Black Beauty - (I don't think this is available in Australia anymore :( )

This is my go-to waterline liner, it stays put and is a very black black. I've been lining my upper waterline and the difference it makes to my eyes is amazing. I do want to try the Urban Decay liner in Perversion so once this one goes to the beauty box in the sky i'll try that next.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer - RRP $11.95AUD

I've been getting into primers again of late and have found this really moisturises my dry skin and helps my foundation glide on smoothly. This is always a staple in my makeup collection and I think will be forever (unless they change the formula and it's shit).

Royal & Langnickel Green Line Powder Brush*

I only recently cracked open my set of green line brushes from ABBW... yeah over a year later! I can't wait to try the others because this powder brush is perfection. I use it to apply my Fresh & Flawless powder.

Also feel free to check out my video below for a visual of me talking about the same thing!

Hope you've enjoyed my January favourites, I'm really going to try and do these monthly as I am a fan of reading/watching them myself.

What did you love last month? Anything I should try for February? (even though it's halfway over!)

*products marked with a * were provided for my consideration. I am always honest in my reviews.

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Beauty Inspiration - Anna Paquin Peachy Cheek Look

Ooooops I have been a little MIA from here recently. I haven't lost my mojo i've just got no time at the moment! The other weekend I actually took squillions (slight exaggeration) of swatch/product/silly photos for upcoming posts and do you think i've had a chance to write about any of them? Nope! They are still sitting on my camera waiting to be edited and uploaded. Poor dears!

I absolutely loved this fresh makeup look I saw on a gossip blog I read last week (Hey do you read any good gossip blogs? not Perez, i'm not really a fan of his). So much so I had to write about it :)

Here is Anna Paquin promoting True Blood, the thing I love about this look is her amazing peachy (but leaning towards the more orange side) of blush! It's all about the cheeks they look wow! Since she is also a fair maiden like myself I wonder if I could also pull this look off?



I'm thinking it could be something like Illamasqua Lover but I think i'll need to go to some swatch detective work. Or I may already have something similar in my collection in MAC Ripe Peach. Either way it looks gorg on Anna!

Is anyone else loving True Blood as much as I am this season? I've read the books and while they are following parts of the storyline a lot of it is different. I get so excited to get home and watch it on a Monday night and I haven't been that way about a show since well... The Vampire Diaries :)

If you haven't already go check out my Scunci Giveaway, i'll be drawing it next week and there aren't a lot of entries so your chances are quite good!!

Current Favourites

Hooray I have finally uploaded a new YouTube video! Here are my current favourites. See below the video for all details of the products mentioned -

 



 

The Beauty Pod -$12.50AUD @ Melli Cosmetics

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (Gel) - $32AUD

Face of Australia Translucent Face Powder - $11.95AUD - International readers can purchase from Fashion Addict

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - Rivage - $50AUD or $36AUD on Strawberrynet

Mac Hibiscus Cremesheen Lipstick (Surf Baby Collection) - $41AUD at Mac Stores or Mac Cosmetics

Jack Black Lip Balm - $7AUD on Strawberrynet at time of posting this was sold out, keep checking! it will get restocked.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream - 50ml $34AUD or 125ml $64AUD at Kiehls counters or the new website! There is currently free shipping June and if you quote the code lipglossblog you will receive a free lip gloss with any purchase!

Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream - $58AUD from Benefit Counters nationally

NYX Eyeshadow in Taupe - You can purchase NYX shadows from Crush Cosmetics for $7.95AUD but this colour isn't available. Alternatively I also buy NYX from Cherry Culture for $5.50USD but they are often on sale and this colour plus many more are available.

MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch & Sketch - $33AUD from Mac counters or Mac Cosmetics Website

Benefit Bella Bamba - $51AUD from Benefit Counters

Illamasqua Nail Polish in Boosh - $34AUD from Illamasqua counters

Nubar Nail Polish in 2010 - I don't know of any Australian retailers, I purchased mine on Ebay

Marc Jacobs Blush - I've had this for ages and couldn't find any information on prices, try all perfume counters :)

Modiva Professional 25mm Curling Tong - $89.95AUD for a $30 discount enter the code lovevulcanella at the checkout. Purchase from the Modiva website

L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray 400ml - $9.95AUD from Priceline

Seven Wonders Moroccan Treatment Oil - $32.95AUD from various Chemists and Health Stores or Online Here

 

Please note some of the products mentioned were provided for review, please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Haulage!

As usual life is hectic! So here is a little haulage post... I haven't done one of these in ages!

I had some family members go to the US in April and with the great $$ I sent them off with a shopping list, they did well!

The goodies!



Sephora!!!!

Urban Decay Primer Potion - My favourite eye primer....and it's in a tube!!! So much better then the crappy packaging previously which is what my current tube is, I'm going to attempt to depot that soon as i'm almost out. I'll let you know how I go!

Benefit Bella Bamba - 3D blush? yep that's how this is marketed. I am a fan of the Benefit boxed blushes so had to get this.

Illamasqua Ore Pigment - I have loved and wanted this for so long! IT'S MINE! Haven't used it yet but can't wait to give it a go.



Mac... really? could you tell? :)

Eyeshadows - Beauty Marked, Carbon, Blanc Type & Sketch - I can't even remember why I picked these particular colours but they are so beautiful, especially Beauty Marked... can't wait to try a sparkly smokey eye with this one!

Blush - Well Dressed & Peachykeen - Love Peachykeen still not 100% convinced about Well Dressed

Lipstick - Dubonnet - I think I had winter in mind when picking this... tried it and its very very dark... not sure if I can pull this one off but might try using it as a stain in winter. It is a very pretty colour though!

That's all folks!

 

Lipstick Lovin' with MAC See Sheer

Back in October when I had a MAC makeover done the Make Up Artist put a crazy bright coral lipstick on me (from the Venomous Villans collection) which normally i'd love but with the rest of my look it was a bit OTT. So I suggested maybe a more muted neutral coral...little did I know we'd discover what is probably my most versatile and favourite lipstick I now own!

See Sheer honestly goes with everything, It's a Lustre formula which is my favourite type of MAC lipstick formula and it's just so darn wearable!

I highly recommend picking this up for your stash, or even just giving it a go





 

Product Review - MAC Pro Longwear Foundation

For this review I decided to do a video



As you can probably tell, I love this foundation! I just wanted to also confirm the price and it's $54AUD which yes is a little pricey but for something that works so well for me, i'm happy to buy it! It's still cheaper then MUFE HD Foundation which didn't work for me.

Another thing I wanted to mention, after I filmed this video yesterday (I had applied the foundation at 7am) I went to lunch (yum cha...yummmm), had a sleep (due to yum cha food coma) and went to the gym in the afternoon. Got home around 8pm and it was still as if i'd applied it that morning. As I mention in the video it fades a little on me around my nose but even that didn't happen yesterday (I blame my air con at work for that because it only seems to happen when i'm at work)

Holy Grail... just maybe! I will come back with my thoughts again in about 2 months and let you know if i'm still using it or if our romance had been fleeting (I hope not!).

La La Love #3 - Random Thoughts

Helloooooo :)

So this is just a bit of a whatever post, whatever I feel like talking about... showing... etc. I'll probabaly be away from the blogging world until Monday (11th). I have a crazy weekend coming up my lovely mama is turning 50 and having a party!!! We have family visiting from interstate and i'm hosting 6 people in the tiny house I share with my boyfriend and our 2 dogs so I can't imagine i'll get much time to sit down and tell all of you about beauty products i'm enjoying, loathing or swatching.

  

We have ordered the Adriano Zumbo V8 Cake so i'll try and get some good photos of that (Fun Fact: my Adriano Zumbo post is one of my most viewed...maybe I should write about him more often) I'm picking it up from the store tomorrow and may also grab a few macarons while i'm in there. Why not? :)

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Photo from http://www.adrianozumbo.com"][/caption]

The party is a hat party, so you have to wear a hat and I guess the crazier the better? This is what i'm wearing... not me of course but just so you get the idea! Mine is from Disneyland so uber special of course!



Speaking of Disney.... The Venomous Villans collection was released this week in Australia. Stef mentioned this on her blog The Lip Print (go there, it's awesome) and I thought i'd weigh in with my thoughts as well. There is one character that I think is really lacking in this collection. I can already imagine how awesome her items would be if she was in it (also the fact it's my favourite Disney movie so i'd probably have bought everything with her on it) URSULA!

Seriously you cannot get more fierce then this bitch right? Maybe they should just bring out a 2nd villans colllection and just focus on her... Hear that MAC?



Speaking of MAC...wow love how i'm making my own little segueways into my own conversations! I'm getting a MAC Makeover on Saturday (for the party) I haven't decided if I want to go crazy with colour yet or just pretty... we'll see how I feel on the day I guess. I do know I want false lashes though :)

I'm addicted to Sun Rice Caramel Rice Crackers, thanks Ms Critique! :) I almost ate the whole packet by myself last night....thank goodness they are healthy, in moderation though!

Last Thursday I did something a little crazy, well not really crazy because it's been planned forever! I got my first tattoo! I'll insert a bad iPhone photo shortly (it's really hard to take a photo of behind your ear!) It didn't hurt anywhere near as much as I expected it to and I love it! It's been a little itchy the past day or two so i've been resisting the urge to scratch it but i've been good. I've also been scared to wash my hair and haven't for a week (Thank goodness for dry shampoo and side braids!!!). I'll have to wash it tonight though it's getting beyond help.



I like leaving you with a song on these posts, just because music is so awesome.... hence my tattoo!

This is a song my mum and I love singing in the car and she's requested it specifically for her birthday and the fact we must dance to it (even though the majority of people aren't going to like it)

Video - September Favourites & MAC Venomous Villans Haul

My latest YouTube video, look out for the special appearance by Miss Penny Lane :)

NOTW - Butter London Fash Pack & MAC Bad Fairy

Here are this weeks nail of the weeks. I only put MAC Bad Fairy on my nails today but I had to share it with you guys so it made it into the week (even if it's been a little over a week).

First up is my very first Butter London polish, this was also a freebie with this months Harpers Bazaar magazine. Finally a great magazine GWP that isn't in a dodgy colour. This is one of those mushroomey, taupey colours that I loooooove. It has a little difference with a bit of a gold shimmer in it (I've tried to capture that it in the picture of the bottle). I think the magazine is only out for a few more weeks so get onto it! It also comes in a sheer pink as well, so why not get both, it's a bargain!

The colour is called Fash Pack, if you want to get your hands on some Butter London polishes but don't want Harpers or don't like the colours you can buy them online in Australia from Honey Honey and they retail on there for $22AUD. I've also seen them in various chemists as well. Check out my little watermark on my photos, i've decided to not be as lazy this week!





My 2nd polish this week and the one I applied today is from the new MAC Venomous Villans collection. Yep I went on the day it was released in Australia and picked up this bad boy (actually it'd more likely be a bad girl...) or BAD FAIRY!

This is an amazing duochrome colour with flecks of red, orange, pink, gold and cupcakes... actually no cupcakes but it may as well have due to it's awesomeness! This is my first duochrome and I see this could become quite the addiction...like glitter!

If you like this colour, get onto it quick because this is limited edition and from what i've heard has been selling well! It retails here for $22AUD which yes is pricey, but it's kind of too amazing to not get.

I tried to get this in a few different lights so you can see as many colours as possible...this was hard but I think i've achieved it!

Springtime Ramble

We are starting to settle into Spring now, it's a few weeks in and i've noticed the familiar smells of springtime are becoming more abundent. So to compliment the current spring scents I decided to wear an old favourite of mine Marc Jacobs Blush. It the most amazing Jasmine scent, I did google for the complete list of notes though for everyones information -

Top notes of jasmine nectar, fresh air accord, and Italian bergamot. • Heart notes of star jasmine, jasmine breeze accord, pink freesia, orange flower, and Japanese honeysuckle. • Dry notes of pink musk, cashmere wood, and sandalwood.

It's just such a pretty fragrance and as always the bottle is gorgeous! I love displaying my bottles on my dresser and this is often one of the ones at the front :) I've seen so many different prices around for this perfume but generally it's around $100AUD in Myer. You can get it also on Strawberry Net for $63.50 (depends on the exchange rate too)

The other thing that seems to be the trend for Spring is a bright bold lip. I'm a fan of this and I think that shows with the colours of the OCC Lip Tars I purchased in my IMATS Haul. However I'm not sure a bright bold lip is always a good choice for the office, I think i'd get likened to a clown perhaps (and let's be honest, i'm a little scared of clowns). So today i'm wearing my version of a toned down bright bold lip which seems pretty on-trend for spring. It's also a good one to purchase because it goes to a good cause... I'm talking about MAC Viva Glam Cyndi (don't tell me just wearing this lipstick doesn't make you want to burst out and sing OH OH OH GIRRRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUUUUUUN... just me? surely not!) Viva Glam Cyndi (RRP $35AUD) is a very wearable muted red/watermelon colour, it's the bright pop of colour you want without being too OTT (Over The Top). It's only available for a year though so get onto it, I may need to pick up a 2nd tube actually.

Not a lipstick gal? Don't be ashamed, I wasn't really one until quite recently..... now I embrace lipstick wholeheartedly! There is an option for you! The newly released Viva Glam Cyndi Lipglass! (RRP $34AUD) It's the same colour packaged into a super shiny lipglass!

10 Online Beauty Stores (that ship to Australia)

I was going to write a separate post about this but I may as well mention it in here. I'm doing a challenge! Since the move of my blog and going through a bit of a rough patch at work i've been unmotivated by writing blog posts, so when I saw the 31 Days To Build a Better Blog Challenge I was onboard! Hoping it might help me get my blog mojo back.

Today is Day 2, and my task is to write a list post. I ummed and ahhed in my head about what I could write a list on and thought what would be something that i'd actually be interested in reading... of course... shopping. More importantly beauty shopping and even more important then that... Stores that ship to Australia :)

I hope you find this post informative and please let me know of any of your recommendations.

10 Online Beauty Stores (that ship to Australia)

1. Crush Cosmetics - This is an Australian based beauty and makeup store with a great selection of brands that aren't so accessible to Australian customers. Top brands include NYX, Milani, China Glaze, ELF and many more. I've used them a few times now and my experience has always been wonderful.

2. Make Up & Glow - Another Australian supplier, this store specialises in stage makeup and items for professional makeup artists. Don't be scared though anyone can order. Brands you will find here are Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (I want to try the Lip Tars!), Temptu, Model In A Bottle, La Femme & Beautyblender

3. Glossi - This Australian store stocks most of the drugstore brands at a discounted price. The great find on here is Revlon ColorStay foundation for $22.95 which is the cheapest i've seen it anywhere. Brands stocked here are Revlon, CoverGirl, Almay, Maybelline, Rimmel and tons more

4. StrawberryNet - Most people know of StrawberryNet or SN as it is sometimes known amongst the beauty pack :) They ship worldwide for free and offer many many brands in the realms of makeup, skincare, haircare and perfume for discounted prices. If I find something I want i'll often check if SN have it and order it from them. They also send the products in a box with a cute purple ribbon around it, small touch but I like it :)

5. Cherry Culture - I haven't ordered from them yet, but I do have quite a big wishlist on the website waiting for me to send to my shopping cart. I have read reviews from others though that recommend this store. They stock so many different brands and a massive range of NYX products for a very reasonable price. My hot tip though, sign up to their mailing list and follow them on Twitter. They regularly have sales!

6. Kiss and Makeup NY - This store stocks brands such as Smashbox, NARS, Laura Mercier and Fresh for a fraction of the price we pay here in Australia. The only downfall is the shipping can be quite slow but with a flat shipping fee of $7.95USD I think it's something that can be overlooked

7. Top Nail Shop - Yes this is an Ebay Store and I know sometimes we think of Ebay as EvilBay but in this case, it's not. I've purchased from this store before and not only do they have a massive range of polishes including brands like OPI, China Glaze, Essie & Color Club. They ship super fast! The prices are also very reasonable and the shipping isn't ridiculous either. Check this one out if you're after nail stuff :)

8. All Cosmetic Wholesale - You want to buy MAC online for a reasonable price? Don't want fake MAC? Enter All Cosmetic Warehouse (ACW) stocking brands like MAC, Urban Decay, Benefit, Smashbox it's a haven for all things we pay ridiculous prices for in Australia for a reasonable price. Most of the items are discontinued, but sometimes that can be what you're after right? I've gotten lost in this site because of all the goodies :)

9. Coastal Scents - This is where you find the famous 88 palettes and the amazing gel liners! The shipping cost can sometimes be a little on the expensive side but if you order enough for it to be worth it they are a great e-tailer :)

10. Benefit Cosmetics - We do have the stores here, but once again price markup is a little high and if you want to order a few things you can take advantage of the free shipping for orders over $115 (trust me that's not hard either!) Plus you can get samples... loooove samples :)

I hope this has been helpful, and like I mentioned please let me know of any stores you've tried and had a great experience with. I made do a Part 2 in the future :)

New MAC collection… oh my i’m excited!

I love all things Disney, especially old school Disney movies (remember a time when there wasn't 3D? :) ) Although I have heard they are re-releasing Beauty & The Beast in 3D... I will be there opening weekend!

I just read on one of my favourite beauty blogs Musings of a Muse about the new MAC Venomous Villans collection, which is all about Disney villans!! AMAZING!!!!

There is a little video here on the MAC website which shows the villans... I can't pick them all though.. help?

Video - http://www.maccosmetics.com/vv_landing/index.tmpl

It will launch in the US in September, so I guess that means Octoberish? for us in Australia?

I can't wait to see pictures of the products and especially the packaging!!

March Favourites!

We are a couple of days into April now so this is a little late, but I wanted to get to the end of March before I posted anyway... so here are my favourites for March

Snow Fairy by Lush - yummmmmm this is probabaly my favourite smell in the world right now. It's a Shame it's a Christmas exclusive however sometimes Lush has a few things they throw in throughout the year that have the Snow Fairy smell, also Godmother soap which is a permanent soap has this fragrance. I'm actually working on something fun at the moment with my mum with this scent.... can't really say much more yet but all will be revealed in the next few weeks :)

Angels on Bare Skin by Lush - I finally got another tub of it after a long hiatus without it. My skin adores this stuff! 

Jurlique Rosewater Freshener - I spray this on my face at night before I put on my Rosehip oil to make my skin damp, it works really well. This is a super old bottle and I know packaging has changed but seriously this stuff lasts forever! 

Sally Hansen Kwik Off Nail Polish Remover Tub - An absolute god send for removing stubborn nail polishes like glitters, you stick your fingers in the little slots and spin them around and once you pull your finger out...wallah! nail polish is gone! 

MAC Viva Glam Cyndi - I'm getting more into lipstick lately, i've always been a lipgloss girl but i'm finding really pretty lipsticks out there. Cyndi is no exception it's a soft watermelon shade that is really buildable and would probably be wearable for most skin tones. Plus all proceeds from Viva Glam lip products go to the AIDS foundation so not only will you have gorgeous lips, you're helping a good cause.

China Glaze - Atlantis - This is probably my favourite nail polish I own, and if i'm ever painting a friends nails this is what I always put on them because the reaction is always the same... WOW... I wore it a lot this month because I decided to take only 2 colours away with me (this being on of them) 

Music wise, my favourite album this month has been Hold Me Down by You Me At Six . These guys are only young and this is there 2nd album. I caught a bit of there set at Soundwave and they sounded great live. They're rumored to be coming here at the end of year so looking forward to seeing them then!

Did you have any favourites in March? Drop me a line and let me know 

Product Review – MAC Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach

This week the new Spring Forecast collections were released in Australia from MAC. 

I'm just starting my MAC collection but saw this blush and knew right away it needed to be in my makeup collection. It's like a Tequila Sunrise in a blush, so pretty!

I totally blame xsparkage for making me want this item!

Here are some pictures and terrible swatches I took

Left to right is - Colours Mixed, Top Orangey Colour, Bottom Pink Colour

Bad photo of the colour on me :)

I was inspired to match my top with the blush today too.

Also, I'd hurry and buy this asap if your interested because it sold out soooo quickly in the US and I believe people have it on ebay and it's selling for some ridiculous prices! I'm pretty sure this was the star of the entire collection.

Also here is the review that prompted me to go buy this sucker -