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?

♥

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. :)

 

♥

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?

♥

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?

♥

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?

♥

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?

♥

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.

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?

♥

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?

♥

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. :)

 

♥

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.

♥

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?
♥

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?

♥

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.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer; 101 Celestial

Rimmel, you always produce some winner products.
Rimmel is my favourite make up brand, I have countless items of their products. Their lip product range is incredible, their lipsticks, glosses, lip stains and liners are all winners and there is something for everyone.
I recently popped into a discount chemist and I could not resist looking at the Rimmel stand. I noticed that it was 50% off, which is just fabulous! In Australia, store make up brands are so expensive, meaning I often wait around for the special offers. This was my chance to try the rather hyped Apocalips, can we take a moment to appreciate the creativity of the name?
I'm a bit late on the bandwagon with the Apocalips, but at an average price of $14, I couldn't justify spending that much on it. However, when I saw 50%, I began to round up the coins in my purse to purchase the product I've wanted try for months and months.
Now, the trouble was picking a colour. I cannot pull of the bright shades or very nude shades, I every much needed the perfect pinky nude known as Celestial.

The colour is perfect for my pale complexion, not too 'out there' but not too basic. The colour just adds that something special to your lips. The application couldn't be simpler. The doe foot applicator makes it an ease, but I do recommend applying with a mirror, it can get messy without. What is wonderful about the product is you can mute it down by blending it out with a lipbalm, or add more to it to make the colour bolder.

I now have my eye on the colour, Nova.
Have you tried the Apocalips? What colour is your favourite?
Thanks for reading! :)

The Christmas Tag

I have seen this tag floating around the world of blogs and YouTube, and I loved the sound of this tag, so I thought why not give a tag a go?

Here we go,

What's your favourite Christmas movie?
If you haven't been up to date on my festive blog posts, I have been doing regular posts on my favourite Christmas movies, so go have a stalk of those. My top three are Love Actually, Elf and The Holiday.

What's your favourite Christmas colour?
I love gold, silver and royal purple. Trust me, narrowing it down to three was a challenge.

Do you stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas?
In PJ's for most of the morning, then dress up nice. :)

If you could only buy a present for only one person, who would it be?
Oh this is too hard! I love getting Christmas gifts for others, I don't know if I could only buy for one person! Choosing presents for others and seeing their faces light up, is one of the best things about Christmas.

Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas Day! I couldn't open them Christmas Eve, I would feel like I would be cheating on Christmas Day.

Have you ever built a gingerbread house? YES! Let's just say it fell to pieces, multiple times. Was not successful, icing tasted amazing though.

What do you like to do on your Christmas break? Relax, take time out for myself before the new university year starts again, just enjoy myself and be in good company of others.

Do you have any Christmas wishes? Well, I do love those Cadbury Chocolate Wishes, could go for a few of them right now. Cadbury, take note here, do not take them away once Christmas is over, chocolate tastes amazing in star form. :) On a serious answer to the question, I wish to have a lovely day, filled with smiles and treats.

What's your favourite Christmas smell?
I love the sweet and spicy scents, like the smell of cinnamon, peppermint, anything sweet scented really.

What's your favourite Christmas meal or treat?
Too many to name! I love it all, I have quite the sweet tooth, so bring the Christmas truffles, shortbread, cakes, gingerbread my way. They will be consumed happily.

What's your favourite Christmas drink?
It's always hot for Christmas, but when there's the occasional cool day on the lead up to Christmas I love a good chai latte, apple and cinnamon tea, or a Christmas themed drink from coffee houses menus, and Christmas biscuits. However when its hot, cranberry juice with carbonated water, bliss!

Candy Canes or Gingerbread men?
Oooh, this is hard to choose, but I think gingerbread men have an edge. :)

What's your favourite Christmas song?
If you haven't been keeping up with my festive posts, every so often I link one of my favourite Christmas songs, so go have a stalk on my blog of my favourite Christmas songs. :)

What's the weirdest gift you've received?
I cannot think of any!

What's at the top of your Christmas list this year?
I don't think there's anything, nothing is springing to mind, I'm a tad stuck on that one!

That was fun! So anyone give it a go and if you do, do this tag let me know please!
It's nice to reflect on Christmas traditions that you may have.

Merry Christmas,
Stephanie.

Favourite Christmas Movies #5 - Noel

This movie can bring a tear to my eye. It's a beautiful film and worth a watch. The film has a similar basis to Love Actually, of characters being linked together in some way or another.
Noel focuses on strangers, who are linked together and meet each other at separate times, by several events that take place on Christmas Eve.

This has to be the one I love to watch the most. It tugs at the heart strings, can make you smile and can make you giggle. Time well spent watching this.

Have you seen this film? What did you think?

Merry Christmas!
Stephanie

Favourite Christmas Movies #4 - Christmas with the Kranks

Not a typical favourite Christmas a person would pick, but I just love this film (along with the past three I listed before).
I remember first seeing this film with my mum, and it is one of her favourites too. Thus, naturally it would become one of my favourite Christmas films.
The film is based from a book called Skipping Christmas. The storyline follows a couple who decide to skip Christmas one year since their daughter is away for the season. However, the Christmas spirit and festivities suck them right back into celebrating Christmas.
It's a funny film to watch during the lead up to Christmas.

Have you seen this film? Comment some of your favourite Christmas films. So close to Christmas now!

Merry Christmas!
Stephanie

Favourite Christmas Tunes #4 - It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

 

Ohhh, Michael Buble, your beautiful voice will forever have my heart. Ooft. This song is just beautiful and it is a signature song to have playing during the Christmas season. This is a cover of the original song I believe, but after all the covers I keep on coming back to the Buble. A joy to listen to.

Do you love this Christmas tune as much as I do? Can you believe how close Christmas is, I still have to find gifts. Anyone else in the same boat as me with that one?

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas now
Love always,
Stephanie

Favourite Christmas Movies #3 - Love Actually

Okay, so this movie makes me believe that my love life will never be satisfactory until someone runs through an airport to stop me from getting on a flight. I love how every time I watch this movie, I feel so uplifted and positive. It's probably because at the ends on the beautiful sentiment, 'love is actually all around'. When I reflect on it, it truly is. It's a beautiful film to watch during the Christmas season as it lets you reflect on what you are grateful for. It just reminds me of the fact, love is all around.
The film is set in the city of London and follows the lives of numerous characters whose lives are intertwined in some form. The film starts from five weeks before Christmas and follows weekly countdown until Christmas.
The cast is incredible, beautifully scripted, I cannot speak more positively about this.
I feel like this is the Christmas movie for 'grown up's', so the children have The Santa Clause (but hey, I still love to watch that). Nevertheless, it's still has that Christmas film appeal to young adults/adults.

I have to say, this is a movie I will always adore and love. Do any of you love this movie?


Don't forget, Love actually is all around,

Love always,
Stephanie