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?

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?

♥

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?

 

♥

 

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?

♥

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?

 

♥

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! :)
♥

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?  

 

♥

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. :)

 

♥

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?

♥

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?

♥

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.

♥

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.

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. :)
♥

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!

♥

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?

♥

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?

♥

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?

♥