Saturday 6 December 2014

What's on my face? - Quick, Easy, Simple edition


When summer arrives, my make-up becomes more minimal, and simple. One could argue, this is very similar to my other make-up posts, but like you know, whatever (remind anyone of The Simpsons whilst reading that? cue Lisa Simpson).
In the summer I like to have a light coverage foundation, and a radiance boosting concealer. The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation, and the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer. To set this perfect base duo, I lightly powder with Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. This powder does an incredible job, a make-up bag must.
To further brighten up my eyes, I use the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Branded. It is a beautiful shimmering champagne shade. This is perfect for a base or on its on, I like how it adds something to my eye make-up, but it's not too dark or strong for the summer time.
The Maybelline Define A Lash Mascara is just one of my favourites, and has been mentioned many times on my blog. It is a great mascara, and I love the length and definition it provides my lashes with.
It is important to keep my lips moisturised I use the Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose. I think this is a lovely lip butter, and smells incredible!
To finish with, the Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 05, is a staple. It is a beautiful, bold rose shade, which is beautiful for the spring/summer time.


What are your favourite make-up bag staples?

Friday 14 November 2014

What's on my face? - The Daytime Pin-Up Edition

I adore the statement, black winged liner, with a gorgeous red pout. However, in the spring/summer time, it can be a little much. So, to make it daytime friendly, I applied a thin line of liner on the upper lash line, and lightly applied a red lip lacquer, so it wasn't too bold, and a bit more daytime friendly.



My selection of products included;

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - I have raved about this is numerous posts already, must I rave on?

Rimmel Wake Me Up Highlighter - Beautiful cream highlighter, beautiful glow and sheen to the skin.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - Makes me look like I have gotten hours of sleep, instead of essay writing.
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Favourite powder! It's a beautiful, and a favourite.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Barely Branded - Perfect as a base, perfect on its own. I thought it was beautiful for a pin up make-up look. It's simple, and doesn't overpower the look.

Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner - Such a great liner! It's just such a lovely product, a make-up bag must.

Maybelline Define A Lash Mascara - I have raved about this mascara in many posts, it's such a great mascara for creating lashes I didn't know I had.

Rimmel Apocalips in Big Bang - Apocalips are my favourite lip lacquers, they are just so beautiful in colour, consistency, and time of wear. I just blot the lacquer once i'm happy with how it is applied, and it lasts and slightly stains my lips. Brilliant product, a make-up bag must.


What products would you recommend for a pin up make up look?


Friday 10 October 2014

What's on my face? - Afternoon Tea Edition



This edition is all about the perfect look for a lovely afternoon tea and macarons with friends. It's fresh, glow-y, radiance building, and just all round a perfect combination.

Rimmel Wake Me Up in Ivory: I'm late on the band wagon with this one! It applies smoothly, and for someone who loves a glow-y, radiance to the skin, this a winner of a product. Have you tried the Rimmel Wake Me Up? What are your thoughts? Love or loathe it?

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concelor in Ivory: Perfect match to the foundation! Great for those pesky under eyes.

Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream: My lips feel  amazing every time I use this lip butter, smells like caramel creams (a favourite sweet treat of my childhood), and it really hydrates and conditions the lips.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Out of this World: The Apocalips range is incredible! I proclaimed my love for the shade Celestial, and now I'm proclaiming my love for Out of this World. It's a beautiful shimmer-y pretty, perfect pink shade, and just works with my pale complexion.

MaxFactor Smoky Eye Effect in Bronze: This product makes perfecting the bronze smoky eye easy! You can tone it down for a everyday smoky eye, or add more to it for a night out! The champagne is a lovely everyday neutral, as with the bronze. For, me it takes a bit of time to blend the two together, but all in all, works out to be a lovely eyeshadow look.

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner: I love using this product to add that subtle definition to my eye, and to make my lashes look that bit thicker.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara: I have proclaimed my love for this mascara in numerous posts, I love how it thickness, and lengthens my lashes to add that definition to my eyes. It is such a perfect everyday mascara, and is a staple in my make-up routine.



I couldn't not post a picture of the delicious strawberries & cream macaron, along with a peanut butter one. Divine. The inner Blair Waldorf is on display. 

What is your favourite make-up product? Any Recommendations?

Saturday 20 September 2014

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose


A little gem that I spotted reduced in my local supermarket.. whilst on a grocery shop. I swear I should just avoid the beauty aisle in general when grocery shopping.

I am such a fan of the Nivea Lip Butters, and I have proclaimed my love for them on this blog previously. I currently own Caramel Cream, and Vanilla & Macadamia, so naturally I had to add Raspberry Rose to make the trio.

I love the tin packaging of the butters, and I am a sucker for pink packaging.
The conistiency is much the same as the others, however it is a tinge pink, but not too noticeable on the lips. In general, it is a lovely lip balm, and it does what a lip balm should do. I think it is a great product for the price, and even better when you can find it on offer at stores.


Now, I'll stop adding to my lip balm collection. Unless any readers can recommend some of their favourite lip balms?
 
 

Friday 12 September 2014

What's on my face? - Cocktails/Mocktails/Drinks with the girls date edition


This little edition is the make-up perfect for a catch up drinks with your bestest of friends. I love the simplicity of the make-up products. I'm a fan of the 'a little goes a long way' mantra, and this ties in with the make-up of these products.
I have to say my favourite product of this selection has been the Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Guest List.

Rimmel Match Perfection: I have proclaimed my love for this foundation before here.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Cream Highlighter: Perfection. I apply this own its own as a highlighter, or mix it in with my foundation to add that boost of radiance to my skin.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealor: A new addition to my face, and it's a good'un.

Rimmel Mono-eyeshadow in Backstage: Another Rimmel gem here! Goodness, there's a whole lot of Rimmel loving in this post!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Butter in Dark Chocolate and Cherry: I have proclaimed my love for this before, a winner of a lip care product.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Guest List: This is just a staple in my collection, it is just beautiful!

Essence Kajal Pencil in Teddy: I'm unsure if this is a 'dupe' for MAC's eye pencil in Teddy, but if it is a real good one! I'm seriously impressed, great colour, great payoff, creamy enough to blend, and smudge out. It's beautiful.

Maybelline Master Prescise Liquid Liner: Such a great eyeliner, applies on well, is perfect for beginners or anyone starting out with liner, or wants to make the eyeliner aspect of their make-up routine that bit easier.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara: Just another great all rounder mascara from Maybelline.


What are your staple make-up products?


Sunday 24 August 2014

The Sunday Break #7

 
 
 
Another sunday, another sunday break.
Today, I started the day right, a mug of the signature green tea, a delicious bowl of creamy, honey porridge, and another re-reading of The Fault in Our Stars. I'm obsessed, end of.
Chilly, winter mornings, require porridge. It doesn't look too appealing but, trust me it tasted amazing, honey and porridge is just always a winner.
I recently saw the TFiOS movie; and wow, it was amazing. It made me want to read the book.. again, it gets better everytime, and still as emotional as the last.

So tell me about your favourite book? maybe it's time I branch out into something not TFiOS related.
How has your month been?
 

Thursday 21 August 2014

Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair Daily Oil Elixir

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with hair oils, most I've tried samples of have left a greasy residue and weighed my hair down. This residue turned me off using hair oils, even though I knew how good oil elixirs are for the ends of my hair.
I had always heard such wonderful things about the classic Moroccan Oil, alas $20-30 is out of my price range, but I really wanted to give hair oil another chance because I knew it would benefit my hair. Introducing, the Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair Daily Oil Elixir.

 
 
This product is perfect, exactly what I needed and wanted from a hair oil. It states that it 'nourishes and indulges your hair without residue'. Check, check and check. I was very happy that this product did not leave a residue, but my hair looked, and felt nourished.
Now, I use this product two ways. One way is pumping a small amount and just applying it to dry hair, or spritzing my hair with water, then distributing the oil through my ends and blow drying. For me, these give me perfect results.
On the back label it suggests that you can use this product, before shampooing, or after shampooing and conditioning, or as a beauty finish on dry hair to add a healthy shine.

I really have enjoyed using this product in the past few months and have noticed a great difference, I highly recommend it.
 
What are your favourite hair oils? Leave recommendations below! :)

Friday 15 August 2014

Nothing beats a chai latte.


I love cafes. I love chai lattes.

I often judge a café based on if they can make a good chai latte. I have such a love for the warm, subtle spice of a chai latte, I find them to be my treat of choice; besides a macaron (I like to channel my inner Blair Waldorf in my biscuit choices).
This chai latte was matched with a lovely, sunny - yet wintery chills, and of course a good ol' catch up with a friend.
Now excuse me whilst I buy a box of macarons, and pretend I'm Queen B.

Sorry for such a brief post!

Friday 8 August 2014

Cedel Raspberry Rush Hairspray

Hairspray is a wonderful product, which saves my hair from turning into a mess at a hint of a breeze. One thing, I wish I could change is that chemical scent most hairsprays have - but, I have found the product that makes all my hair dreams come true; Cedel's Raspberry Rush Hairspray.
This product is amazing! I just love it! The packaging is gorgeous; it's creative, its pink and stands out in my hair care/product collection. It's just perfect!
The product itself smells of raspberry soft drink and lollies, a pleasure to spray in my hair, and every so often throughout the day - I catch a whiff of it and it still has that gorgeous scent.
The product hair style wise does not disappoint, much like Cedel brand hairsprays, you get a great hold, not crispy and its easy to work with throughout the hair.

They also have a coconut scent and a oriental floral one, looks like two more are about to be purchased. :)

What is your favourite hairspray?  
 

Friday 1 August 2014

Palmer's Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Lip Butter

Lip balms are a must during the winter. A few months back I blogged about one of my holy grail, newly discovered lip balm/butter; Palmer's Lip Butter. Oh my my. I just loved it! It became so well loved, another was needed. I saw that there was a second 'flavour' in the lip butter range; dark chocolate and peppermint. This smells just like those chocolate mints that are available at Christmas time, or peppermint crisp chocolates. Or just peppermint chocolate in general. The consistency is lovely and great to put on before applying lipstick, just to add that subtle shine.
It's just as lovely for the lips as the dark chocolate and cherry one, I find these make such a difference to my lips. Highly recommend the lip butters from Palmer's.
 
 
Have you tried these lip butters? Share your thoughts. :)
 

Sunday 27 July 2014

The Sunday Break #6

This Sunday break is a little more simplistic. I decided to treat myself to a few episodes of one of my favourite television series - Gossip Girl. It was quite the simple way to treat myself, but just what I wanted and needed.
I made myself a vanilla latte, and watched a few amazing episodes. Bliss.


I adore everything about this series, the scandals, love stories, the eye candy, the fashion, the beauty, just everything! I secretly wish I had Blair Waldorf's wardrobe.

What do you love at the moment? Any recommendations?

Thursday 10 July 2014

Essie Nail Polish in Licorice

When the winter season kicks in dark nail polishes are in. Now the most basic of winter nail polish colours is black. I think as 'boring' as some people may see it, black is such a lovely shade to wear on nails. Black nails can go with any outfit as it isn't to noticeable or compliments it.
In a earlier post, I previously professed my love for Essie's nail polish applicators, product consistency and just everything about it. Nothing has changed here with this one.
Within one or two coats, it is perfect, no need to reapply, and it hardly chips!
One thing I have about nail polishes, they always seem to chip within a few days. with Essie, a week before any noticeable chipping, personally. Well done Essie, well done.

What are your favourite winter nail polishes?


Sunday 29 June 2014

The Sunday Break #5

Here we have another installment of The Sunday Break. I hope you're enjoying this little series, and if you are, let me know. For now, lets get straight into it!

The drink;
Tea, tea, tea. I love ice tea as a refreshing drink and hot tea as a relaxing drink, both are what the this break has been about. I recently purchased two little boxes of tea on a recent shop. Even though in Australia, March tends to be a mix of summer and spring like weather - not so much Autumnal weather. Once, April comes round there are some hot days, but it slowly begins cool down and hot sweet tea can be made. This berry flavoured tea is that perfect transitional tea between summer and winter.

The sweet;
Now, I have quite a sweet tooth. Something that I love to eat is Turkish Delight. I find it is the perfect little treat to have alongside tea. It is something that I do not have to feel completely guilty about having. Something about this just compliments the berry flavoured tea.

What are you treating yourself to?

Thursday 19 June 2014

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair Restoring Conditioning Spray


I was recently gifted this product, which is great as I was in need of a conditioning spray to give my hair that little extra care.
Now I have dabbled into L'Oreal haircare range as its the most affordable, and has amazing results.
I use this product in the mornings and at night before I go to bed, I often spray generously throughout my hair and then brush through. What is also great about this product as it often helps to detangle my hair and that it doesn't feel heavy on my hair.
What it says on the bottle is true, it is weightless, it conditions & detangles, and does help to strengthen. However, I believe the hair mask in this range would be more suited to that claim.
I do recommend this product, more as an addition to your haircare routine.
What are your favourite haircare products? Any recommendations?

Sunday 25 May 2014

The Sunday Break #4

The humble mocha, I decided I would treat myself to one and take some time out for myself and organise and plan assignments, to gather my ideas. I know this somewhat defeats the purpose of 'The Sunday Break', but I found planning my assignments in a relaxed café, with a delicious mocha - made it enjoyable.


I did however afterwards treat myself to watching a few episodes of The Carrie Diaries. Once again late on the bandwagon with this one. I have been addicted to The Carrie Diaries. As a massive fan of Sex and the City, (by the by - has anyone read the book it was based on? Was it a good read?). It was only natural that I would want to watch The Carrie Diaries, the prequel to what was Sex and the City. I became addicted instantly, I think Austin Butler is responsible for that one. I really enjoyed watching this series, and I totally ship Kyddshaw (how cute does that sound!). I've become quite fond of the series and recommend it.
After watching the The Carrie Diaries, I want to read the book it is based upon, perhaps the next Sunday Break will be including the The Carrie Diaries novel.

Friday 23 May 2014

Palmer's Gentle Daily Cleanser

In recent blog posts, I look like I'm obsessed with the Palmer's skincare range, which I can't deny. My purse loves Palmer's skincare, and I love Palmer's skincare. Palmer's skincare, you have my heart.

So I could receive the best results from my skincare routine, I decided to use the facial cleansing range in combination with my facial lotions and moisturizer to receive the best results. My latest addition is the Palmer's Gentle Daily Cleanser. I love cleansers, they freshen my skin and take off all the bad things make up can leave behind. Obviously, everyone has a different skin type and not all products will work for everyone, but personally this facial skincare range works great for me and I'll keep on going with it.
I love this particular cleanser as it smells divine and contains milk proteins and antioxidants which improve the quality of the skin and in conjunction with the matching facial moisturisers - my skin should be healthy and glowing!
I have become so obsessed with skincare lately, which is a good thing, my skin will be thankful for all this extra care, I even begun to notice what a proper skincare routine can do for skin, it's in better condition which is amazing. I'm now looking at the Palmer's facial scrubs and mask range to further enhance the results of my skincare routine.

What are your favourite cleansers? Any recommendations?

Thursday 15 May 2014

Style Crush - Holland Roden

All images found on google images
I have a massive fashion crush, I love celebrity styles as they are styles that can suit most people and most of the time some celebrity outfits aren't too out there.
I'm often looking at celebrity fashion and styles to get inspiration for myself, it's a great way to learn out to style your outfits and possibly find some fashion pieces to replicate them.
One celebrity who's style I'm just loving right now is Holland Roden's style. I find her style to be a mix of simple, classic and always suits her body type.
The blue floral dress is right up my alley, its the perfect combination of casual but still so pretty. Matching it with a tan handbag just makes the outfit come together. I must find out where to find a dress just like it.
The black and white dress with a slight floral pattern is just stunning, perfect and a timeless style dress.
I love the yellow, lace peplum dress. Peplum is one of my favourite style trends, they flatter any body type in my opinion. I would love this dress in black as that would just make it so sophisticated and timeless. This dress is beaut!

I also have a few other favourite outfits of Holland Roden, would you like to see a part two?
Which celebrity style/fashion do you love?

Sunday 27 April 2014

The Sunday Break #3

I didn't have a lot of spare time this sunday, but I will always make room for a little chocolate and a good read.


The sweet;
Cadbury's Bite Size Flake Chocolate. I'm not one to turn down a piece of chocolate, so I treated myself to a few pieces, and put the rest away - which was hard to do!

The read; The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky.
Such a good book! True to the movie, and just a great read. Highly recommend.

Friday 11 April 2014

Time for a proper skincare routine; Palmer's Skincare Range

In a post awhile back I mentioned how most moisturisers tended to break my skin out, or my skin didn't get along with a products.
I have quite the basic skincare routine - facial scrub, cleanser, toner and the occasional nose pore strip. I had never delved into the world of skincare all that deeply, which is bad on my behalf.
I'm not longer fourteen, my skin needs extra care heading into my 20s - it's prime time I take care of it.
I was once again in a discount chemist and I went for a look in the skincare aisle as my favourite body butter product was very much reduced! (post on that soon!)
I was looking at the shelves and saw a gift pack of Palmer's skincare products, it was heavily reduced and then I remembered I had some points on my store card that could be used in order to reduce the price further, it ended up being cheaper to buy the gift pack then buying all the products separately.



I was so happy with this, because I adore the Palmer's brand and I love the cocoa scent, it makes taking care of my skin a pleasure. I was shocked at myself for not delving into facial skincare products by Palmer's Skincare as they are fabulous.
The set comes with a lovely daily facial lotion, eye cream, facial serum (which is a favourite), and a night renewal cream.
I actually now have some proper skincare products and a routine, all done on a budget! Only a tiny bit of product is needed, so these products will last me a long time - a good investment.

Since I'm getting into the world of skincare, please leave some recommendations of skincare products you like. :)

Friday 4 April 2014

Essence Single Eyeshadow in 06 Metropolitan

I saw this little gem, and just fell for it! however, I'm not too impressed by it after all. It looks like a lovely shade in the pan, looked like it would be very pigmented, but it wasn't as pigmented. I really loved the chocolate shade, but it wasn't as much as a chocolate shade as I hoped for.


It looked so promising in the pan, but it just didn't transfer to the lid. Perhaps if, I test this out with an eyelid primer the pigmentation would improve.
I will continue to try and make this work, maybe as a base shade before adding a more pigmented colour. I can say though that I will be wearing this when I'm going for a minimal eye look, as the product is good enough for a light wash of colour on the eyelid.
There was no harm done to the purse strings by buying this product , it was only $1.


What are your favourite eyeshadows? What brands do you think create the best eyeshadows? Let me know!

Sunday 30 March 2014

The Sunday Break #2

Here we are, another month, another Sunday break post! (this has slighty become a favourite feature on my blog for me). Are you enjoying this little series as much as me? This 'The Sunday Break' will be a little different as it won't be a collection of products, more so a  little outing to treat myself.

1. I love to read.
2. Summer weather = Iced coffees, iced lattes, iced mochas, iced chocolates, anything cold and sweet.

So for my monthly Sunday break I headed out to a lovely little café, ordered myself an iced latte and relaxed while reading my new book.



The read; Looking for Alaska by John Green.
Now, if you recall in my last 'The Sunday Break' I mentioned how I had my eye on this book. I didn't know what to expect while reading this, but so far I'm not disappointed with this book! It is just so brilliant! I found this book to be so engaging and I love how all the small things/mentions throughout the story led to ending.  John Green is an author, worth the hype. If you're wanting to get into reading more, definitely start with John Green books.

The treat;
Iced Latte. Delish. Need I say more?

The song;
What You Wanted - One Republic, now I bet certain people will instantly know where they have heard this song used before. Hint Hint. It is such a beautiful song, acoustic version, just as amazing.

What have you been loving during the month? What have you been treating yourself with?

Monday 17 March 2014

E.L.F Total Face Brush

I was on the hunt for a new face brush. One day, on a whim a popped into a department store to see that some of the E.L.F range was now stocked in Australia! I now have a mini list of goodies from E.L.F I want to try out. The main thing that stood out for me were the make up brushes, now $3 for some brushes to get me by were what I was after.


I picked up a new powder brush as I was due for new one, and I'm pleasantly surprised! I think it feels quite nice and for the price I cannot complain it does the job well. I quite like the design of the brush, if I was to change anything, I would want the powder brush to be more circular, but I'm sure E.L.F would probably have another type of brush with that description.

What are your favourite brands of brushes? What do you recommend?

Friday 14 March 2014

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Lipstick; 47 Rose Pare

Bourjois is the closest I'll ever get to a high end beauty product, as to what I've been told Bourjois is a sister company to Chanel! AMAZING.
I always used to avoid the Bourjois stand as I knew it would be too expensive and my purse would not allow me to spurlage on something, when there would be a perfectly good, cheaper priced dupe in another stand. However, on this occasion, something drew me to the stand - the beautiful sale sticker labels! I went straight to the lipstick (as it would be the closest thing to a Chanel lipstick, my logic). and discovered it was $11 from $20+, bargain right? Then at the checkout it turned out to be $8! EIGHT DOLLARS FOR BOURJOIS, YES PLEASE!



As usual, I was going to go for the light rosy nude shade, until a lovely beauty assistant suggested a deep rose shade. I instantly answered, oh no - I can't pull off a red, but she reassured me it isn't as red as a person would think. I swatched it and it was a beautiful deep rosy pink, to reassure me further she applied a sample on, and I must say I have never been so surprised by a lipstick! The shade was 47; Rose Pare, gorgeous, and the packaging is so lovely - who doesn't love a little purple.
It is perfect for all year round, but I love to break this out in the A/W. While everyone else is rocking the red winter lip, I'll rock the rosy red lip.
What are your favourite Bourjois products?

Friday 7 March 2014

What's on my face? - Everyday Make Up Products

Hello there, something new here for you. My first what's on my face post, this installment will feature the everyday 'no make up' make up look I've been sporting.


Lips
Palmer's Lip Butter in Dark chocolate and cherry - Does wonders for the lips . Check out my review, here!

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 101 Celestial - Divine, a natural nude pink shade. Check out my review, here!

Nivea Glamorous Gloss - just to add that touch of glam to my everyday make up.

Face
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 - Light Porcelain - This foundation is amazing! The shade range is brilliant for pale toned people as there is a variety of yellow toned pale, and pink toned. It's perfect as its a light enough coverage for me to work with, but also a buildable coverage. I like how the foundation lets my freckles shine through. I find it quite a good foundation for a 'no make up look', perfect if you're in school. If you would like a full review of my thoughts, let me know in the comments! :)

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent - It's the best powder I have used, when I use this powder - I 'stay matte'. Perfect powder that everyone should have in their make up bag. Perfect for beginners too.

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Brightener - This does wonders for those pesky under eyes, it's the only concealer I have used that actually hides my under eyes and brightens them so I look awake. This product is so lovely, I cannot speak more highly of it. It's a must have!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch (Cream Highlighter) - This is amazing to work with, add a touch to the top of the cheekbones blend it out and you're good to go.

Eyes
Maxfactor Wild Eyeshadow Pencil in 05 (Bronze) - If I want less action on the eyes, I just sweep this across my eyelids, blend it out lightly and voilà! It adds that little something to your eyes, by making them more awake, not too out there and defined. It's perfect for a 'no make up' make up look.

Rimmel 'Day 2 Night' Mascara - For this look, I just use the lengthening mascara wand, to give my eyelashes that long a luscious look. What I love about this is the two 'wands', a volume wand and a lengthening wand, its perfect to have one mascara that can do both. It's also perfect for layering.

What make up products are you loving at the moment? Please leave them below. :)
 


Sunday 23 February 2014

The Sunday Break #1

In a previous post titled 'Goodbye December, Hello January', I discussed how I wanted to read more novels and treat myself a bit more throughout the year. Realistically, assignments can be time consuming, so I have little time to treat myself with. I came up with the goal of the last Sunday of each month, I would try and treat myself, whether it be for 10 minutes, or 30 minutes. Just some time to allow me to relax.
I thought this would be a great little series for my blog, as I can share some goodies that I'm loving and perhaps provide a review of what I think of the item/product. This can be a great way for others to share their favourite treats of the moment and provide recommendations.

The read; The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This had to be the most hyped up book of 2013, and I have been wanting to read it for a very long time. I received a copy and been addicted to it ever since. It's such a good read, and really worth the hype! I can see myself reading this over and over again. John Green, you really know how to tug at my heart strings. I highly recommend it, like everyone else does. Now like everyone else, I will be awaiting for the movie adaption. I now have my eye on several other John Green books, Looking for Alaska - I'm looking at you there.

The scent;
I love candles, but I can never seem to finish one as the wick breaks and cannot be lit and its not even half way done. As much as I would love to have a Yankee Candle/Collection of Yankee Candles, they do not come cheap in Australia, think $30+. Once again, I was on the hunt for a bargain.
I was recently in a supermarket and came across this candle - from the Glade brand, I had heard good things about the brand and hoped it wouldn't end up like other candles. It smells divine! My room smells of vanilla sweets, even when it is not burning. This is amazing candle for $4, and I now have my eye on a few other candles for my room.

The treat;
I was recently in The Body Shop (now, once again it is quite pricey and my pennies won't allow that), but I did go to the sale section and noticed something beautiful, Chocomania. Hi, I'm Steph and I'm a chocoholic. The Chocomania soap bars were majorly reduced and my pennies were happy for that. Now, I'm going to have a lovely soap experience, let's hope it doesn't create an addiction to The Body Shop soaps.

The film;
500 Days of Summer. Do I need to say more? Amazing film, beautiful, witty, fabulous and everything in-between.

What do you love at the moment? Any recommendations?

Monday 10 February 2014

Face of Australia - Colour Pro; Triple Action Nail Enamel in White Gold


I was very lucky and was gifted/treated to this gorgeous nail polish by a sibling. It's apart of the Face of Australia (by the by - it's fast becoming a new favourite brand) make up range.
The shade is in White Gold, it is so beautiful - it has a beautiful slight rose tint. This shade is a perfect year round nail colour. It compliments a lovely tan for the summer, but adds that something special to your nails in the winter.
This is a perfect shade of gold nail polish, it's great for people that think a full on gold might be too harsh for their fingernails.
The application was incredible. The consistency of the polish was brilliant, it was thick enough; that one coat would do. The brush was the perfect size, making the application simple and easy. It's quite long lasting, but I do recommend using a base coat and top coat to help the nail polish last longer.
This will not be the last purchase from Face of Australia.

 
What products are you loving at the moment?

Thursday 30 January 2014

Essie Nail Polish in Fiesta

Essie is a brand of nailpolish I've only just dabbled into as I won a prize from them. One of my favourite nail colour from their collection is Fiesta. Ooooh man, this is the perfect summer shade. I prefer to wear these on my toes, as I prefer brighter colours on my toe nails than fingernails. The colour is a beautiful hot pink, such a summery colour.

The applicator brush is quite thin but some how it works perfectly when I paint my nails. The brush collects and applies the perfect amount of product.
What I also find interesting, the consistency of the nail polish is quite thin, something I have not seen in other nail polishes. With a thin consistency, yet it still applies and opaque coating.
Essie, you have sold me.

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Palmers Dark Chocolate & Cherry Lip Butter

I do have a collection of lip balms and butters but lately my lips have been feeling that little drier due to the weather. I had been using a bunch of lip products to combat this, but there was no major long lasting difference. This led me to believe that perhaps my lips were becoming tolerant to my lip products, so I went on a hunt for a new (low cost) lip balm to solve this!
I decided looking online for deals would be my best bet, and wonderfully enough I found a very affordable lip butter by Palmer's for around the $2 mark, brilliant!


I find lip butters to be that bit more nourishing and hydrating, and this does exactly that. The product smells incredible; just like a Cadbury's cherry ripe. It does leave a shiny finish, and it is great to use under lipsticks or to blend out lipstick colours. Absolute winner to carry around in your handbag and perfect for all seasons.
Palmer's, I adore your products! Always a winner in my books, or blog for that matter. :)

What are your holy grail lip balms or butters? I'm quite fond of the baby lips range too.

Wednesday 15 January 2014

L'Orèal Paris - Ever Strong; Deep Replenishing Masque

Thank goodness for reduced to clear products and sale offers (I'm such a bargain hunter). I was in a supermarket, and always in the beauty aisle. I was looking at hair masks as I find my hair needs more hydration in order to be healthier and stronger, then I came along this little tub of goodness.
I purchased this for only $5! Now this is amazing as, L'Oreal hair care ranges can be quite dear. I had been lusting over their Ever Crème/Riche range, as it smells of caramel and vanilla. I had my eye on the hair mask of that range, but at $14, it was a no go.



The product is a beautiful creamy consistency, and I can't put my finger on what it smells like - but I love the scent. To use this product, you firstly wash your hair, then apply this product all over your hair and leave it for 3-5 minutes then rinse. I love out this adds that something special to my hair care routine, its like no other conditioner mask, it hydrates, softens and adds strength. Everything I look for in hair care products.
This product is so lovely, but since I got it in the reduced to clear section, I think this will be the only tub I can get of this. I'll just have to keep my eye out another or a product similar.
Have you tried the Ever Strong or Ever Crème/Riche ranges?

Friday 10 January 2014

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick; 210 Fancy

Yes, another Rimmel lip product, I can't help it - Rimmel's products are amazing.
I also picked this up on a reduced price also, and ever since I purchased it, I have loved it! If you haven't noticed I love to wear rosy pink lips as they suit me a lot more than say a peach or an orange colour.


This is one of the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks in the colour Fancy. It does have a slight shimmer to it, but I prefer this than a matte lipstick. I love to mix this lipstick with a lip balm if I'm going for a 'no make up' make up look, or apply more to give me a real elegant pout. This is perfect for beginners as well! This was actually one of my first proper lipsticks and I found this colour to be subtle and not too 'scary' to wear. I find mine to last at least perhaps two hours before I need to touch up, but all this depends what I'm doing on the day. If I'm out going places I would need to reapply sooner. However, when I put a clear lipgloss on top, it lasts much longer for me, personally.
Have you tried a Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick? What are your thoughts?

Thursday 2 January 2014

Goodbye December, Hello January.

New year, fresh positivity.
This year I'm heading into my second year of university, time is just flying by. I'm going to take what I learnt from my university experience last year and use it to better myself as a student.

1. Read! Read! Read!
So, throughout last year I didn't read as much novels as I wished. I always had my nose in one of my textbooks. Which is all well and good, because I am studying something I'm interested in and love learning about. However, I learnt from myself I have to reward/take little breaks now and then, not be about uni, uni, uni.
There are so many books I would love to read (are you surprised that I am a bookworm? eheh). I have listed four novels so far that I want to read, would you be interested in reviews, or keep you updated on my latest reads? I want to start a mini novel collection. It is the beginning of an expensive habit. Yes, I'm also one of those people that rather the feel of a book, than staring at another screen. Anyone else feel that way? Oh! Leave some book suggestions in the comments, pretty please!

2. Treat myself more
University is stressful, and students in university can agree on that one. This year, every once and awhile I would like to treat or reward myself with something special. It maybe as simple as buying a little trinklet, a special flavour of tea, a DVD, a bargain item of clothing or something I've been wanting to try; a product or bath bomb/ballistic from Lush. Just little things really.

3. Take more photos
I always say this, every year. I'm going to do it this time round I swear! I think I get so swept up in the moment (which is great!) but it means I forget to capture a moment. I have a rather large collection of photographs, which I adore. I often look through them all, and they make me smile, laugh and appreciate that beautiful moment. I want to capture more moments this year.

4. Always find something to be grateful, and positive for
Now this may seem something simple and something that can come naturally, but I think people and myself can get caught up in the day to day life and business that follows and forget to think of a positive note. I have a diary, which keeps me organised, but I thought perhaps in each day of the diary I write something I'm thankful for, then I can go back over the diary and see what I was thankful for on that day.

Do you have any goals for the new year? Let me know.

I hope y'all have a lovely new year, thank you for reading wherever you are.

Stephanie.