Notable Mani's of May 2014

I'm sad to say that I haven't got a great deal to share this month. As some of you know, I had an incredibly difficult month, dealing with a break up after a relationship of several years, whilst also studying for finals at the same time. I really didn't spend much time on my nails! Anyway I do have a few to show...

I was instantly drawn to this peachy gold polish. It's a classy colour without being too boring.

This fuschia polish was impossible to say no to. It was on sale when I bought so it was less than $2, score! It definitely made my gloomy days a little brighter.

OPI 'Penny For Your Thoughts'

Face of Australia Siren Polish in 'Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend'

Leopard print is such a simple yet awesome mani to pull off. I was tossing about what sort of colours to use, of course I chose pink...

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in 'First Blush'

Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine in 'Lustrous'

OPI 'Designer De Better'

These polishes appear in literally every mani post! Everyone needs a versatile pink, a black and gold/silver in their collection. 

This was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest. I absolutely loved the colour combo, mint and pale pink go together so well! I used a fine dotting tool to extract single bits of glitter to use on my feature nail with the flowers. This glittery OPI polish is one of my absolute faves, it's just so pretty!

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear 'First Blush'

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in 'White On'

OPI 'Pink Yet Lavender'

Revlon 'Minted'

Again, some familiar suspects here...

Those are my mani's of the month...I hope you enjoyed them xx

FOTN: Trivia

I'm hopeless at trivia, I seem to lack general knowledge! Anyway, that doesn't mean I can't get dressed up...

MUA Heaven & Earth palette

Face of Australia Eyeliner

Benefit They're Real Mascara

MAC Lipstick in 'Plumful'

Arbonne Perfecting Liquid Foundation*

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

The Cosmetic Kitchen Mineral Blush in 'Strawberry'

I was pretty excited about using some of these products. The blush is from the May Lust Have It! box and it's a gorgeous colour. I'm not really liking the packaging though! And you see that big shiny pan of goodness? Yes, I finally invested in Mary Lou! I have been lusting over it for months and months, trying to convince myself I didn't need it and it was overpriced. But everyone raves about it. There was a deal on StrawberryNet a while ago and it was $27 so I snapped it up. I'm so glad I did because its beautiful! 

And this is the look. I used the 5th shade from the MUA palette on my eyes. I've been playing it safe with brown eyeshadow lately, my poor sparkly/metallic shadows are being neglected. 

Ignore the eye bags.

And heres a better look at the cheeks. The blush is a very pretty colour and is also quite pigmented. Because of the packaging, it can be hard to get the right amount of powder. Nonetheless, I still think I'll get a lot of use out of it. And look at Mary Lou in action, isn't she lovely?

That's it from me today. Until next time xx

*product was provided for consideration and has been reviewed in accordance with my disclosure policy

May 2014 Empties

Another month, more things to chuck away...

TIGI Bedhead Ego Boost Leave In Conditioner

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion Skin Conditioner

Designer Brands Coconut Lip Butter

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

Dettol Revitalise Hand Wash

Schwarzkopf Marrakesh Oil and Coconut Express Mousse Treatment

TIGI Leave In Conditioner

It's not empty but I've had it for about 3 years, the consistency has gone weird so it's time to chuck it. I don't think it did much for my hair, other than make it smell nice, so I wouldn't repurchase.

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion

This is the best thing ever for winter! I loved this, except at times it got hard to squeeze the last bits out. Have repurchased.

DB Lip Butter

This is awful, it just puts a greasy film on your lips that wears away quickly and dries them out. The smell isn't great either. I ended up using it as a lipstick remover, just to use it up. Not repurchasing!

Maybelline Eyeliner

I used this for a while, it was quite reliable and lasted a long time on my eyes. I would maybe repurchase, but I wouldn't mind trying out some other brands.

Dettol Hand Wash*

This smells so good! I really did like this hand wash and it's quite affordable too. If I saw this on special, I'd probably repurchase, otherwise I'll just go for any Dettol hand wash.

Schwarzkopf Mousse

Another half full product...Schwarzkopf (that is so hard to type!) have never really done it for me. Their products smell weird and really fake to me. This was okay, but it really didn't seem to do anything at all. It's basically like a light weight oil-based foam that you can put through your hair. It would probably suit oilier hair types, if you wanted a bit of nourishment without using traditional hair oils. Nice, not necessary. Would not repurchase.

That's it for me this month! What things are you chucking in the bin for the end of May? xx

*product was provided for consideration and has been reviewed in accordance with my disclosure policy

FOTD: Brunch

I thought I'd post a FOTD for once! I usually post FOTN looks, because I'm more inclined to socialise at night and do more interesting things with my makeup, but let's see what I did the other day...

Sleek Blush in Rose Gold

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

Maybelline Colossal Volum Express Mascara

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 'Pink Peony'

Sleek Twist Up Eye Pencil

A mix of old and new. I opted for more coral tones in this look because it was a gorgeous autumn day. The blush is my all time fave daytime blush, in case you didn't already know! The lipstick is a new addition that I purchased recently because I felt like I was missing peachy-pink shades. 

The look

The foundation gives fairly light coverage, and doesn't do much for blemishes. It gives a dewey finish which can actually look a bit oily I find. The lipstick looks brighter in real life, but the silver frosty-shimmer drops it down a notch; I'm not quite sure if I like it or not, but we'll see. 

That's all from me today, thanks for reading! xx

Lust Have It! May 2014

It actually wasn't that long ago that April was sent out, but it's good that the May box* has made it in time. But hang on...what happened to the new packaging?! I really liked that clear bag that came last month...

OK, so there was a note inside saying they still haven't received all the cosmetic bags. They've included a $20 gift card to use on their store to make up for it. Fair enough. Continuing on...

Box listing

 The Cosmetic Kitchen Pure Mineral Blush in 'Strawberry'

Mary Kay Lip Laquer in 'Pink Pagoda'

Premium Spa Face & Body Mask

 A closer look...

The Cosmetic Kitchen Blush - full size RRP $34.95

I've never seen a blush this huge in my life!! I've also never used a loose mineral blush before, so it will be interesting to give this a go. I love the colour, it reminds me of a strawberry milkshake and I definitely think it's a winter appropriate colour. The Cosmetic Kitchen are an Aussie vegan makeup brand based in Newtown (Sydney) so that's pretty exciting! 

Mary Kay Lip Lacquer - full size RRP $22

I am so glad I got the bright pink! We all know I love a bright pink lippy. I'm also looking forward to using this, but it's going to be a little while...I have about 10 other new lip products waiting to be used. 

Premium Spa Face & Body Mask - full size RRP $14.99

I'm not a huge face mask person but I could give this a try. I've never tried a body mask because I'm pretty lazy but maybe I'll like it? I think I've tried a Premium Spa product before and I hated the smell of it so I threw it out...hopefully that won't be the case this time.

Coral Colours Eyebrow Definer in 'Dark Brown'

Coral Colours Eyeshadow Quartet in 'Vibrant Forest'

Coral Colours Eyebrow Definer - full size RRP $7.95

I am not one to fill in my brows because they are not sparse, the opposite, rather. I will pass this one to someone else...

Coral Colours Eyeshadow Quartet - full size RRP $7.95

This is really cute and the shades are totally versatile. This actually reminds me a lot of the Wet N Wild Comfort Zone palette. Hmm, I think I might also pass this one along, but I'm still happy to see it in the box!

Overall this is a good box, and did you notice everything was full size? I'm stoked about seeing lots of makeup and easing off the skin care a bit this time. I can't wait to use the blush and lippy! What did you think of this months box?

*product was provided for consideration and has been reviewed in accordance with my disclosure policy

Beautorium Haul

Beautorium was a little while ago now, but I wanted to share my haul with you. For those of you who aren't aware, Beauty Heaven runs a membership rewards system every so often where you can redeem your beauty points to buy products. Points can easily be built over time by participating in forums, commenting on blogs and posting reviews. I didn't have a lot of points to spend because my balance hasn't recovered from the last one! But in the last week of Beautorium they did 20% (or was it 25%?) off the products so I thought I would jump on board!

People for Plants Night Cream

Lapurete Okuru Ressurection Night Cream

Lapurete Okuru Facial Cleanser & Toner

Lipsmackers Strawberry Coconut Set

Lady Jayne Digital Romance Hair Ties

Manicare Glam Eyes Miranda Lashes

Soo...what were the products I actually purchased? I ordered the PFP Night Cream and the Lipsmackers (nostalgia purposes only) and the rest were all samples! They were super generous with what they gave out, and I'm really loving the look of those lashes. The hair ties are also cute. I haven't used any of my products yet because I've got epic amounts of creams to use up first, but I've heard fantastic reviews about PFP and have been wanting to try them out for ages.

Did you participate in Beautorium this round?

FOTN: Dinner

I haven't been particularly social lately with stupid uni getting in the way, but last night I had dinner with my family for my brothers birthday. I'm feeling really exhausted after finals week, especially because I've had to work all weekend and had no time to relax. I think I've lost my natural glow and look a bit dull :( anyway, I wanted to post a FOTD just to show you some new products that I haven't used much of...

Sleek Blush in 'Pomegranate'
Essence Metal Glam Highlighter
Arbonne Foundation
MUA Heaven & Earth palette
Ulta3 Lip Paint in 'Manic Mauve'
Sleek Twist Up Eye Pencil
Face of Australia Liquid Liner
Benefit 'They're Real!' Mascara

I normally only include colour products, but this time I thought I'd show the whole lot. Since I did my foundation rotation a while back, I've been loving the Arbonne foundation. Its so easy to blend and build up and gives a great finish. The blush, highlighter and lip paint are relatively new items that I was excited to use.  The blush is something I decided to pick up while I was on the hunt for some berry toned blushes for winter. The only berry blush I had previously was Elf's HD blush in 'Berry Merry' which I adore and use a lot (see a FOTD here) so I felt another one was necessary! 

White flash face!

The flash has sort of washed out the vibrancy of the Ulta3 lip paint, but it is gorgeous! It lasted pretty well throughout the meal, and eventually faded to leave a pretty stain. It's not sticky or drying, just somewhere in between. It's a perfect shade for winter. I used the 7th shade from the MUA palette as an all over lid colour. I never used to be a brown shadow gal but I find it does look sophisticated without being too obvious. You can't really tell from this pic, damn hooded lids! 

Have you tried out any of these products? The Ulta3 lip paints are pretty hyped up at the moment, what are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading xx

Post-exam buys...

I had my last exam this morning, so now I have a week off uni before the next trimester starts! I feel like I've worked pretty hard and needed a treat (or several) so after hearing about 50% off cosmetics at Chemist Warehouse, I made a brief stop...

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in 'Champagne Toast'

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in 'Glam Fest'

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in 'Purple Petals'

Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara

Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in 'Adorned'

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength (RRP $13.95, sale price $6.97)

I've been attracted to more neutral shades lately. I find that they look really classy and elegant. I also loved the name of this shade so I had to get it!

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Polishes (RRP $6.95, sale price $3.47)

These are so cheap normally and even better when on sale. I have a few polishes from this range and they do not disappoint! Heres to cheap thrills.

Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara (RRP $19.95, sale price $9.97)

Yes, another mascara...oh dear! I've started to stock pile them like a crazy mascara lady. I'm currently using the Maybelline Colossal Volume Express (what a mouthful!) which is decent...yeah, decent, I wouldn't say more than that. It gives great length and curl, but doesn't do much in terms of making your lashes look thick and volumised. But hopefully the Falsies one is okay...I remember using the regular Falsies mascara a few years ago and I really liked it. 

Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss (RRP 21.95, sale price $10.98)

Omg I have been drooling over this colour for so damn long. It's such a pretty fuschia shade! We sell Revlon at work and I'm always tempted, but $21.95 for a lipgloss is a bit steep for me. I have a whole collection of unused lip products that I haven't gotten around to using...I reaaally need to stop buying them but with sales this good, can you blame me? ;)

Overall, I'm pretty stoked with my purchases. Now that I'm uni free for a week, I'm excited to paint my nails with all my new polishes :)

Are you planning on checking out the 50% off sale? 

Lust Have It! April 2014

Hi ladies! First of all, I want to say a massive thank you for your lovely words on my last post. It means the absolute world to me to know that there are so many caring souls out there :) it's so nice to know that in the blogging world, you're never alone. I'm slowly feeling normal again, but I am so swamped with uni study with exams in full force now. I'm going to take a quick moment to show you the LHI April bag* (nope, not box!) which arrived early in the week. 

I'm loving the clear plastic bag - its much more space friendly and I'll be able to use it as a travel bag :) 

L-R

Glamourflage Lip/Cheek Stain

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion

Bioderma Atoderm Cream

Claytime Mineral Bronzer

Wotnot Organic Facial Wipes

Glamourflage Lip/Cheek Stain RRP $21.95

Ooh, how exciting! I've never tried a cheek stain and I've considered one of the Benefit ones but they are so expensive. I'm not familiar with this brand but the 1950's pin up girl theme is adorable so I'm excited to try this out. 

Aveeno Lotion RRP $9.99 for 225mL (29mL sample)

Mini bottles of moisturiser are super cute. I actually haven't tried any Aveeno lotions, but its the perfect season to try. I've been using the Palmer's Shea Butter lotion lately (which is amazing, by the way!) so maybe I can take this on an overnight trip.

Bioderma Cream RRP $29.95 for 200mL (15mL sample)

This is also a good product for the current season. The info card says its for very dry skin; while I don't quite fall into that category, I've started to get some dry flaky patches on my face....eek. Probably from the cold and having the heater on most days. Maybe this will help!

Claytime Mineral Bronzer RRP $29.95

I can see why you'd send out a bronzer at this time of year, but I just don't use bronzer...I'm already brown! I may pass this on to someone else.

Wotnot Wipes RP $7.95 for 25 wipes (5 wipe sample pack)

These have been raved about a lot lately, so it'll be good to try them out for myself. Wotnot are a great company :)

Overall I think this bag is really great and suited to the season. I'll definitely be able to use a lot of these things and I'm particular looking forward to the cheek stain :)

What did you think of April's box/bag?

*product was provided for consideration and has been reviewed in accordance with my disclosure policy

Hiatus

Hi lovely ladies. I wanted to take the time to explain that over the next few weeks, I probably won't be posting much. I'll still try to post occasionally but I won't be able to maintain my regular schedule. There are two reasons - the main one is that over the weekend, my boyfriend of three and half years decided to end our relationship. For me it was unexpected and it's very hard on me. Secondly, I also have my final exams starting this week so I need to knuckle down and study. 

So right now, I'm not really in a good state of mind. I am very lucky to have some amazing friends who have been supporting me through this hard time. I hope I can start to feel normal again soon and get back into the swing of things.

Thanks for your understanding xx

Notable Mani's of April 2014

I had a pretty boring month last month with my nails, luckily I have lots of exciting mani's to share with you from April!

Polka dots

China Glaze 'For Audrey'

Revlon Colorstay 'Sequin'

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear 'White On'

This was a very easy mani to do! For Audrey is one of my favourite colours, and it's quite well known in the nail world. 

OPI 'Designer De Better'

Ulta3 'Creme Brulee'

Sally Hansen Laquer Shine 'Lustrous' 

This mani was inspired by Be Happy and Buy Polish. I love her blog and her photos are gorgeous! I'm actually wearing Creme Brulee right now and I'm loving it. It's a great nude for my skin tone. 

Pretty Serious

'The Pink One'

'Crystal Lake'

I placed an order with Pretty Serious Cosmetics last month and here are some of their polishes. The pink polish is super hot pink with a bit of blue toned sheen and has become my new favourite pink. Crystal Lake is also very pretty, and in the photo above it's been layered over a turquoise polish.  

Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish 'Misty Jade'

Rimmel 60 Seconds 'How Do You Lilac It?'

Ulta3 'Pink Peony'

Ulta3 'Lily White'

Sally Hansen Extreme Wear 'First Blush'

Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine 'Lustrous'

Rimmel 60 Seconds 'Sunny Days'

Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish 'Apricot Punch'

Essie 'Bikini So Teeny'

Seeing as Easter was this month, I thought I would jump on the Easter mani bandwagon. I wasn't entirely happy with how the bunny turned out because it looks a bit zombie-like, but overall it was pretty cool. So many polishes used for this one! Also it's the first time I've ever used yellow nail polish, it wasn't as bad as I thought. 

Chanel 'Black Satin'

Ulta3 'Lily White'

OPI 'Designer De Better'

Rimmel 60 Seconds 'How Do You Lilac It?'

This turned out to be a very nice colour combination. 

OPI 'Koala Berry'

Chanel 'Black Satin'

OPI 'Designer De Better'

This mani felt really classy and got a lot of compliments. I definitely will do one like this again and swap the colour palette. 

Powder Perfect 'Elation'

I can't resist glitter, so I obviously had to get this. It's my first Powder Perfect polish and I'm impressed with it, it's a gorgeous forest green that looks amazing in the sunlight.

And that's it from me for the month, I hope you enjoyed this post and stay tuned for next month!