Subscription Box Videos - February 2012

I've received all my monthly subscription boxes for this month and filmed videos for each of them. Watch below if your interested.

 



 



 

Bye Bye Google Friend Connect! How to import your blogs currently on google!

As you may have seen already on some other blogs is that Google Friend Connect has decided to not allow people who are on non google hosted blogs (ie. Anything other then blogger blogs) to use their service anymore. I believe this is to make way and force more people to use the new Google+.

This is frustrating as I know this is how I've come to follow all my blogs, and it's what I use so people can also follow me.

I'm not entirely sure if once this comes into effect that the current subscriptions will stop updating on Google Reader, so i've decided to let you all know of other ways you can find my blog and follow it :)

• The easiest thing to do is follow this blog via bloglovin, Click Here to follow me!


• I also tweet a lot, and on my twitter I automatically update on any new blog posts or videos


• Facebook is another option! Like my page to receive updates straight to your facebook timeline! 


• I have setup a Google+ account for the blog as well, It might take awhile to get used to it but it is there!


• Subscribe to my YouTube channel! 

Now not totally blog related or whatever but you can also find me on the following websites if they interest you at all!

• I have a tumblr that I sometimes go on major tumble spree's on, but honestly it's quite neglected!


• I am utterly addicted to Pinterest! I can get lost for hours on that website


• Another slight addiction of mine, Instagram! I love this app and am often "instagramming" 

Now you have no excuse to not continue to read this blog :)

Something else I wanted to share with you, I had a panic about 40mins ago thinking if google friend connect is going to stop following my favourite blogs, how do I keep updated with them all (I read a lot of blogs). I then found a way to import your blog list from google reader into Bloglovin! YAY!

Here's how to do it

1. In your google reader account, go to 'settings'

2. Click on the tab with Import/Export

3. On the 'Export Information' graph there will be a download on OPML column and the first line 'subscriptions'. Download this file.

4. Go to - http://www.bloglovin.com/import

5. Upload the file you downloaded from Google Reader

6. DONE!

I'm pretty sure it only imports the blogs that are currently on Bloglovin, but it's at least a start.

I am keeping the Google Friend Connect widget on my blog for the time being, I will remove it once it has stopped working. I am also working on fixing my RSS feed which is down for some reason and getting badges for the new G+ page etc. Sometimes blogging isn't all makeup and fun :)

 

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)

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.

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.

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.

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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)

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!



 

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.

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Tag!

I've seen this doing the rounds on the blogs I read so I thought since i'm sitting here eating my boring Tuna & Lettuce at lunch I might give it a whirl! If you do this or have done it, send me a comment below so I can go read.

Beverages:

1. Starbucks Caramel Frappucino Light (THIS IS MY JAM YO!)

2. Coke - sadly we've had to move into a long distance relationship but I occassionally still indulge :)

3. Ginger Beer - Love the stuff! I also found a sugar free version that doesn't contain Aspartame so hell to the yeah!

4. Coffee (particularly Caramel Lattes)

5. Water - who'd a thunk i'd grow to love this stuff?

 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="327" caption="Credit - We Heart It"][/caption]

Snacks:

1. Cherry Ripe - in moderation of course!

2. Apples with Peanut Butter

3. Celery, Carrot, Capsicum sticks with Ranch Dressing (you should see my giant Ranch dressing I have...yeh i'm addicted)

4. Pork Crackles - don't judge, when your on a high protein, low carb diet and are craving chips these are a winner! shit loads of calories though so keep these snacks to a minimum

5. Cashews... nom nom nom!

 

Image Credit - We Heart It

Apps:
1. Twitter

2. Instagram

3. My Fitness Pal

4. Plants Vs Zombies

5. Tiny Tower (although I haven't been playing lately)

 

Movies

1. Edward Scissorhands

2. Mean Girls

3. Neverending Story/The Little Mermaid (sorry I had to!)

4. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

5. Almost Famous (I mean I named my dog after one of the main characters!)

...surely i'm forgetting something!

 

Books:
1. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

2. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

3. This is Why You're Fat by Jackie Warner

4. Chelsea Handlers books (sorry couldn't pick 1, love them all)

5. Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (currently being made into a movie)

OH and I love the Harry Potter books too

 

Also if you haven't heard this song or seen this film clip, you haven't lived! Enjoy!

 

 

Biiiiiirthday

Yesterday I celebrated my 30th birthday...woah thirties!

I started my day with an amazing facial at Northmead Beauty Therapy, it was my first time getting a facial there and my first facial in a few years, loved it! I had a Dermalogica face mapping as part of my facial so left with a few new prods to try out.

Then it was present time! I was very spoilt and one of my gifts is what I'm doing this blog post on, my new iPad!

Later that night it was dinner at Aperitif a restaurant owned by Manu Fieldel and Miguel Meastre, Manu wasn't there but Miguel was and was a charming not to mention quite a good looking host :). I ate my way through tapas and paella and consumed far too much sangria but boy it was good!!!

I had a great day saying goodbye to my twenties and hello to my thirties!

If anyone has any iPad app recommendations please let me know :)

Lip Balm Loves!

We are finally starting to see a little sunshine here and the weather is getting a little warmer! yay! Although speed ahead a few months and i'll be wishing for the cold again :)

These little lovelies have been my saviours throughout winter and they all have their own place in my life.



Jack Black Intense Therapy Lipbalm in Natural Mint

This lip balm is my absolute holy grail of lip balms, I keep this baby on my makeup vanity and smoosh some onto my lips when I get ready each morning so my lips are nice and smooth for whichever lipstick i'm wearing for the day. This works a charm and if you can get your hands on it I suggest it x infinity! I purchased mine from Strawberrynet for around $7AUD. At time of writing they have the lemon version available for $9AUD. Otherwise you can try Ebay or a parcel forwarder to get it from Sephora in the USA.

EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruits

I had always heard great things about this lip balm, mainly from watching YouTube videos from the US. Quite honestly I thought the packaging was interesting and cute so when Addicted 2 Lip Balm (lip balm heaven in a webstore!) had stock I had to get my hands on one. The actual applicator is weird because it's a big sphere but it's actually quite genius because one swipe and you've covered your entire lips. My EOS lip balm stays in my car so I can do a quick swipe of moisturising goodness at the traffic lights and not worry about the people behind me beeping me because I am too busy applying lip balm properly. Plus the smell of this is so yummy! You can order EOS lip balms from Addicted 2 Lip Balm for $6.35AUD or you can buy them in multi packs which work out a bit cheaper.

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm

It's not secret Maybelline is one of my favourite brands and I'm really enjoying their newest lip balm! It's a simple twist up style, nothing fancy but it's a night light formula. When I purchased this the last one they had was in the Smoothing Cherry scent, i'm not one for Cherry scents but this is quite pleasant not too overbearing and not plasticky smelling (I find a lot of Cherry scents smell plasticky, does anyone else?). This little balm stays in my handbag for on the go touch ups! Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm can be purchased from the regular Maybelline stockists and will only set you back $3.95AUD (cheaper then a cup of coffee!)

What has saved your lips this winter?



 

Lust Have It Box #1

So the first deluxe beauty sample box has now been sent out and I got my little mitts on mine this weekend and decided to do an open the box video for it! I think i'll try and do these with all the subscription boxes I receive and possibly then do a mini review round up a month later on the products in each box.

If you haven't received your box and want a suprise, don't watch this video!



A couple of points to note

- To subscribe visit http://www.lusthaveit.com.au

- Subscription is $14.95/month

- You can unsubscribe at anytime by giving 30 days notice by email to Lust Have It